sulfa: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowtechnical, medical
Quick answer
What does “sulfa” mean?
A type of antibiotic drug derived from sulfanilamide, used to treat bacterial infections.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of antibiotic drug derived from sulfanilamide, used to treat bacterial infections.
Pertaining to or containing sulfanilamide or its derivatives; used to describe a class of antimicrobial drugs that work by inhibiting bacterial growth.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling 'sulpha' is sometimes found in British English, but 'sulfa' is standard internationally in scientific contexts. The 'f' spelling is predominant in pharmacology globally.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties; carries a strictly technical, medical connotation.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties, confined to medical discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “sulfa” in a Sentence
Patient [has/is on] sulfa.Doctor [prescribed/administered] sulfa.[Sulfa] is effective against [infection].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sulfa” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The patient has a documented sulpha allergy.
- It is a type of sulpha-based antimicrobial.
American English
- The patient has a documented sulfa allergy.
- It is a type of sulfa-based antimicrobial.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in pharmaceutical industry reports.
Academic
Common in medical, pharmacological, and historical scientific literature.
Everyday
Very rare; used only when discussing specific medications or allergies.
Technical
Standard term in pharmacology, medicine, and microbiology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sulfa”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sulfa”
- Using 'sulfa' as a verb (e.g., 'They will sulfa the infection').
- Confusing 'sulfa' with general antibiotics like penicillin.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'sulfa' is a common short form for sulfonamide drugs.
It is uncommon. You would typically say 'a type of antibiotic' or specify the drug name unless discussing medical history like an allergy.
It is an adverse immune reaction to sulfonamide medications, which can cause rashes, fever, or more serious symptoms.
While 'sulpha' appears occasionally, especially in older British texts, the international scientific and pharmaceutical standard is 'sulfa' with an 'f'.
A type of antibiotic drug derived from sulfanilamide, used to treat bacterial infections.
Sulfa is usually technical, medical in register.
Sulfa: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌlfə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʌlfə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of SULFA as a SULFur-based drug that Fights bacteria.
Conceptual Metaphor
DRUG IS A WEAPON (against infection).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'sulfa' most appropriately used?