copper sulphate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “copper sulphate” mean?
A blue crystalline inorganic compound of copper and sulfur, CuSO₄, used as a fungicide, herbicide, and in various industrial processes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A blue crystalline inorganic compound of copper and sulfur, CuSO₄, used as a fungicide, herbicide, and in various industrial processes.
A common laboratory reagent and a source of copper ions; also used historically as an emetic and in dyeing and electroplating.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'sulphate' (UK) vs. 'sulfate' (US). The chemical name is identical in use and pronunciation.
Connotations
None beyond spelling preference.
Frequency
Equally frequent in relevant technical and educational contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “copper sulphate” in a Sentence
dissolve X in waterapply X to YX is used as a ZVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “copper sulphate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The gardener will copper-sulphate the pond to clear the algae.
American English
- They need to copper-sulfate the soil before planting.
adjective
British English
- The copper-sulphate solution was a vibrant blue.
American English
- We observed a copper-sulfate crystal under the microscope.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in chemical supply or agricultural industries.
Academic
Common in chemistry, biology, agriculture, and environmental science texts and labs.
Everyday
Uncommon. Might be mentioned in gardening contexts (e.g., 'I used copper sulphate to treat the pond algae.').
Technical
The primary register. Used precisely in chemistry, metallurgy, water treatment, and agriculture.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “copper sulphate”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “copper sulphate”
- Misspelling as 'copper sulfite' (a different ion).
- Incorrect pronunciation stress: /ˈkɒpə ˈsʌlfeɪt/ not /kɒˈpə/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is toxic if ingested and can cause skin and eye irritation. It must be handled with care using appropriate safety equipment.
They are the same compound. 'Blue vitriol' is an older, common name for copper sulphate pentahydrate (CuSO₄·5H₂O).
Its blue colour arises from the water molecules (in the hydrated form, CuSO₄·5H₂O) that are coordinated to the copper ion, which absorbs light in the red part of the spectrum.
It can be used sparingly for specific issues like fungal infections or algae in ponds, but it is toxic to soil microorganisms, aquatic life, and in high doses, plants. Always follow product instructions and local regulations.
A blue crystalline inorganic compound of copper and sulfur, CuSO₄, used as a fungicide, herbicide, and in various industrial processes.
Copper sulphate is usually technical / scientific in register.
Copper sulphate: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒp.ə ˈsʌl.feɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑː.pɚ ˈsʌl.feɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a COPPER penny turning BLUE (the colour of copper sulphate crystals) because it got SULKy (sulphate).
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A for this technical compound.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary industrial use of copper sulphate?