sulfur

noun

sul·​fur ˈsəl-fər How to pronounce sulfur (audio)
variants or chiefly British sulphur
: a nonmetallic chemical element that is an essential element for all life, resembles oxygen in chemical properties, and is used especially in the form of sulfuric acid to extract phosphates from ores see Chemical Elements Table
sulfury adjective
or chiefly British sulphury
Is it sulfur or sulphur?: Usage Guide

The spelling sulfur predominates in U.S. technical usage, while both sulfur and sulphur are common in general usage. British usage tends to favor sulphur for all applications. The same pattern is seen in most of the words derived from sulfur.

Examples of sulfur in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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From the caldera spewed 24 cubic miles of ash, rock, and gases into the air, including 60 megatons of sulfur. Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025 This close-up of the nebula was featured on NASA's image of the day series, and was shot using a narrowband, and projected with the elements of sulfur, hydrogen and oxygen. Space.com Staff, Space.com, 1 Jan. 2025 The scientists concluded that this was because these vegetables were high in natural sulfur compounds. Hatty Willmoth, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024 However, ocular exposure to sulfur mustard can also produce long-term effects, including recurrent inflammation and erosion of the cornea. New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sulfur 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sulphur brimstone, from Latin sulpur, sulphur, sulfur

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sulfur was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near sulfur

Cite this Entry

“Sulfur.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sulfur. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

sulfur

noun
sul·​fur
variants also sulphur
: a nonmetallic element that occurs either free or combined especially in sulfides and sulfates, is found in proteins, exists in several forms including yellow crystals, and is used especially in the chemical and paper industries, in strengthening rubber, and in medicine for treating skin diseases see element

Medical Definition

sulfur

1 of 2 noun
sul·​fur
variants or chiefly British sulphur
: a nonmetallic element that occurs either free or combined especially in sulfides and sulfates, is a constituent of proteins, exists in several allotropic forms including yellow orthorhombic crystals, resembles oxygen chemically but is less active and more acidic, and is used especially in the chemical and paper industries, in rubber vulcanization, and in medicine for treating skin diseases
symbol S
see Chemical Elements Table

sulfur

2 of 2 adjective
variants or chiefly British sulphur
: of, relating to, or resembling sulfur : containing or impregnated with sulfur

More from Merriam-Webster on sulfur

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