sulphur
/'sʌlfə/
Definition
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.
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.
Noun
-
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
-
treat with sulphur in order to preserve
-
These dried fruits are sulphured
-
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