sulphur

/'sʌlfə/

Thân thiện

The scientist examines a bright yellow sulphur crystal in the laboratory.

Definition

1. Noun:

   • A chemical element: A naturally occurring, abundant, tasteless, odorless, multivalent nonmetallic element with the atomic number 16 and symbol S. It is best known for its bright yellow crystalline form.
   • A yellow color: A bright, pale yellow color resembling that of elemental sulphur.

2. Verb:

   • To treat with sulphur: To expose something to sulphur or sulphur compounds, often for the purpose of preservation, disinfection, or bleaching.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The distinct smell near the volcano was due to sulphur gases.
  • She painted the door a vibrant sulphur yellow.

• Verb:

  • In the past, winemakers would sulphur barrels to prevent spoilage.
  • These apricots have been sulphured to maintain their color.

Advanced Usage

• "Sulphur dioxide": A toxic gas (SO₂) produced by burning sulphur or sulphide ores, significant in atmospheric pollution and industrial processes.

  • Sulphur dioxide emissions from the plant contributed to acid rain.

• In figurative language: Can be used to describe something hellish, fiery, or unpleasant, drawing from sulphur's association with volcanoes and biblical descriptions of hell.

  • The argument left a sulphuric atmosphere in the room.

Variants and Related Words

• Sulfuric (adj): The preferred American English spelling for adjectives, as in (H₂SO₄).
• Sulphurous (adj): (Chiefly British English) Pertaining to, containing, or resembling sulphur; also meaning fiery or hellish.
  • The sulphurous springs were popular for their supposed health benefits.
• Desulphurize (verb): To remove sulphur or sulphur compounds from something, such as fuel.
  • The refinery must desulphurize the diesel to meet environmental standards.

Synonyms

• Brimstone: An archaic term for sulphur, often used in religious or literary contexts (e.g., "fire and brimstone").
• Elemental sulfur: (US spelling) A more scientific synonym.

Related Phrases

• Fire and brimstone: An idiom describing a style of preaching or rhetoric that emphasizes the punishment of hell.
  • The pastor delivered a fire and brimstone sermon.

Notes on Spelling

• Sulphur is the standard spelling in British English and in many Commonwealth countries.
• Sulfur is the standard spelling in American English and is increasingly used in scientific contexts internationally (as recommended by IUPAC). The definitions and uses remain identical regardless of spelling.

Học thuật

Noun

1. an abundant tasteless odorless multivalent nonmetallic element; best known in yellow crystals; occurs in many sulphide and sulphate minerals and even in native form (especially in volcanic regions)

Verb

1. treat with sulphur in order to preserve
   • These dried fruits are sulphured

Từ đồng nghĩa

• sulfur
• S
• atomic number 16