copper sulfate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “copper sulfate” mean?
A bright blue, crystalline compound of copper and sulfur, widely used as a fungicide, algaecide, and root killer.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A bright blue, crystalline compound of copper and sulfur, widely used as a fungicide, algaecide, and root killer.
Also used in electroplating, agriculture as a nutritional supplement, and historically as an emetic. The pentahydrate form (CuSO₄·5H₂O) is the most common.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
British English traditionally uses 'copper sulphate'; American English uses 'copper sulfate'. The 'f' vs 'ph' spelling distinction is the primary difference.
Connotations
None beyond the spelling difference. Both refer identically to the chemical compound.
Frequency
In technical and academic contexts globally, 'sulfate' (IUPAC) is increasingly dominant. 'Sulphate' remains common in general UK usage.
Grammar
How to Use “copper sulfate” in a Sentence
[copper sulfate] is used to [verb] ...An aqueous solution of [copper sulfate] ...The addition of [copper sulfate] caused ...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “copper sulfate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The solution was copper sulphated to prevent algal growth. (Rare, technical)
American English
- The process involves copper sulfating the electrodes. (Rare, technical)
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The copper sulphate solution was prepared. (Attributive use)
American English
- We need a copper sulfate concentrate. (Attributive use)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In agricultural supply catalogues: 'Order copper sulfate for vineyard blight control.'
Academic
In chemistry papers: 'The kinetics of copper sulfate crystallization were studied.'
Everyday
In gardening discussions: 'I need to get some copper sulfate for the pond algae.'
Technical
In electroplating manuals: 'The copper sulfate bath concentration must be maintained at 200 g/L.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “copper sulfate”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “copper sulfate”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “copper sulfate”
- Incorrect pluralisation ('copper sulfates' – it's a mass noun).
- Confusing 'sulfate' with 'sulfide' (CuS is copper sulfide, a different black compound).
- Misspelling 'sulfate' as 'sulphate' in American contexts or vice-versa.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'blue vitriol' is an old common name for copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO₄·5H₂O), named for its blue, crystalline appearance.
It depends on certification standards. While it is a traditional treatment, many organic regulations restrict or prohibit its use due to copper accumulation in soil.
Anhydrous copper sulfate (CuSO₄) lacks water molecules. The blue colour is due to water molecules coordinating with the copper ion in the pentahydrate form.
Copper sulfate typically refers to the chemical compound CuSO₄. Copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO₄·5H₂O) is the form that includes five water molecules per formula unit, which is the stable, common blue crystalline solid at room temperature.
A bright blue, crystalline compound of copper and sulfur, widely used as a fungicide, algaecide, and root killer.
Copper sulfate is usually technical/scientific in register.
Copper sulfate: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒp.ə ˈsʌl.feɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑː.pɚ ˈsʌl.feɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'copper' penny turning 'sulfate' (blue) in a chemical reaction – it creates a bright blue solid.
Conceptual Metaphor
A WORKER/TOOL (e.g., 'copper sulfate works to kill fungi', 'it serves as a catalyst').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary hazard associated with handling copper sulfate crystals?