disulphide: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low frequency (C2)Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “disulphide” mean?
A chemical compound containing two sulfur atoms bonded together.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A chemical compound containing two sulfur atoms bonded together.
Specifically in biochemistry, a covalent bond between two sulfur atoms in amino acids (cystine) that stabilises protein structure; also a term for inorganic compounds with the S²⁻ anion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: British English uses 'disulphide'. American English uses 'disulfide'.
Connotations
None. Purely technical.
Frequency
Equally specialised in both variants, but the spelling follows regional preference.
Grammar
How to Use “disulphide” in a Sentence
[compound] disulphidedisulphide [of something]disulphide bond between [amino acids]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “disulphide” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The disulphide linkage was critical for stability.
- They studied disulphide bond formation.
American English
- The disulfide linkage was critical for stability.
- They studied disulfide bond formation.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used outside specific chemical/pharmaceutical industries.
Academic
Common in biochemistry, molecular biology, and inorganic chemistry papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might appear in advanced educational contexts.
Technical
Core term in chemistry for describing compounds and specific covalent bonds in proteins.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “disulphide”
- Misspelling as 'disulfide' in British contexts or vice-versa.
- Confusing 'disulphide' with 'bisulphide' (which is an older term for hydrogen sulfide or HS⁻ ion).
- Using it as a general term for any sulfur compound.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they refer to the same chemical entity. 'Disulphide' is the British English spelling, while 'disulfide' is the American English spelling.
It is a covalent bond between the sulfur atoms of two cysteine amino acids in a protein, which helps stabilise the protein's three-dimensional structure.
Carbon disulphide (CS₂) is a volatile industrial solvent. In nature, the mineral iron disulphide (FeS₂) is known as pyrite or fool's gold.
The protein keratin, which makes up hair, contains many disulphide bonds. These bonds create cross-links that give hair its strength and shape. Permanent waving or straightening treatments work by breaking and reforming these bonds.
A chemical compound containing two sulfur atoms bonded together.
Disulphide is usually technical/scientific in register.
Disulphide: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdaɪˈsʌl.faɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /daɪˈsʌl.faɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'DI' (two) + 'SULPHUR' + 'IDE' (type of compound) = a compound with two sulfur atoms.
Conceptual Metaphor
A 'bridge' or 'cross-link' that holds structures together.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'disulphide' MOST frequently used?