dimethylsulphoxide: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “dimethylsulphoxide” mean?
A colourless, hygroscopic organic solvent with the chemical formula (CH₃)₂SO, known for its ability to penetrate biological membranes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A colourless, hygroscopic organic solvent with the chemical formula (CH₃)₂SO, known for its ability to penetrate biological membranes.
A polar aprotic solvent used in organic chemistry, pharmacology, and cryobiology; also known for its medicinal applications as a topical analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent (often under the abbreviation DMSO).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling 'dimethylsulphoxide' is standard British English. The American English spelling is 'dimethylsulfoxide' (with an 'f').
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare in general discourse in both regions, but the respective spellings are used consistently in technical writing.
Grammar
How to Use “dimethylsulphoxide” in a Sentence
[substance] is soluble in dimethylsulphoxideDimethylsulphoxide is used to [purpose]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dimethylsulphoxide” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The dimethylsulphoxide solution was prepared fresh.
- A dimethylsulphoxide-based treatment.
American English
- The dimethylsulfoxide solution was prepared fresh.
- A dimethylsulfoxide-based treatment.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in chemistry, biochemistry, and pharmacology research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used. A layperson might encounter it on a medicine label or safety data sheet.
Technical
Standard term in laboratory protocols, chemical synthesis, and pharmaceutical formulations.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dimethylsulphoxide”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dimethylsulphoxide”
- Misspelling as 'dimethylsulfoxide' in British contexts or 'dimethylsulphoxide' in American contexts.
- Incorrect hyphenation: 'di-methyl-sulphoxide'.
- Confusing it with dimethyl sulfone or other similar compounds.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily used as an industrial and laboratory solvent, and in medicine as a topical analgesic and a vehicle for drug delivery.
It can penetrate skin rapidly, carrying other substances with it. Laboratory safety protocols must be followed, and medical use should be under professional supervision.
DMSO is the standard abbreviation for dimethyl sulphoxide (UK) / dimethyl sulfoxide (US).
The spelling difference ('sulph-' vs. 'sulf-') follows the general British-American variation for words derived from 'sulfur'/'sulphur'.
A colourless, hygroscopic organic solvent with the chemical formula (CH₃)₂SO, known for its ability to penetrate biological membranes.
Dimethylsulphoxide is usually technical/scientific in register.
Dimethylsulphoxide: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdaɪˌmiːθaɪlˌsʌlfˈɒksaɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdaɪˌmiːθəlˌsʌlfˈɑːksaɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Di-Methyl-Sulfo-Xide' – two methyl groups attached to a sulfur oxide core.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary field of use for dimethylsulphoxide?