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sulphate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

C1
UK/ˈsʌl.feɪt/US/ˈsʌl.feɪt/

Technical, Scientific, Commercial

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Quick answer

What does “sulphate” mean?

A salt or ester of sulfuric acid, containing the anion SO₄²⁻.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A salt or ester of sulfuric acid, containing the anion SO₄²⁻.

In chemistry, a compound formed when sulfuric acid reacts with a base. In informal contexts, can refer to chemical compounds used in products like shampoos (e.g., sulphate-free), agriculture (fertilizers), or medicine.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Spelling: British English uses 'sulphate'. American English uses 'sulfate'.

Connotations

Identical technical meaning. The British spelling retains the historical 'ph' from its Latin root (sulphur).

Frequency

The American spelling 'sulfate' is dominant in international scientific literature. 'Sulphate' remains standard in UK publications.

Grammar

How to Use “sulphate” in a Sentence

[Noun] + sulphatesulphate of + [Noun][Adjective] + sulphatesulphate-free + [Noun]

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
copper sulphateammonium sulphatesulphate-freemagnesium sulphatecalcium sulphate
medium
sulphate contentsulphate ionssulphate solutionsulphate attack (concrete)sulphate deposition
weak
high sulphateadded sulphatereduce sulphateform sulphate

Examples

Examples of “sulphate” in a Sentence

verb

British English

  • The water can sulphate the metal pipes over time.
  • The process is designed to sulphate the ore.

American English

  • The water can sulfate the metal pipes over time.
  • The process is designed to sulfate the ore.

adjective

British English

  • The sulphate deposits were clearly visible.
  • They conducted a sulphate analysis.

American English

  • The sulfate deposits were clearly visible.
  • They conducted a sulfate analysis.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Used in manufacturing, agriculture (fertilizer sales), and cosmetics marketing ('sulphate-free' as a selling point).

Academic

Common in chemistry, geology, environmental science, and engineering papers.

Everyday

Mostly encountered on product labels (shampoos, detergents) or in gardening contexts.

Technical

Precise reference to chemical compounds, ions, or processes (e.g., sulphate-reducing bacteria).

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “sulphate”

  • Misspelling as 'sulfate' in a UK context (or vice versa in US).
  • Confusing 'sulphate' (the salt) with 'sulphur' (the element).
  • Pronouncing the 'ph' as /f/ separately; it's part of the 'sulph' /sʌlf/ cluster.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Sulphur is a chemical element (S). Sulphate is a compound containing sulphur and oxygen (SO₄²⁻).

Sulphates like SLS are strong detergents that can strip natural oils. 'Sulphate-free' products are marketed as gentler.

The meaning is identical, but the spelling differs: 'sulphate' (UK) vs. 'sulfate' (US).

Yes, in technical contexts it means to combine, treat, or convert into a sulphate.

A salt or ester of sulfuric acid, containing the anion SO₄²⁻.

Sulphate is usually technical, scientific, commercial in register.

Sulphate: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌl.feɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʌl.feɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of 'SULPHUR' (the element) with '-ATE' (a common ending for salts/esters), like 'carbonATE'.

Conceptual Metaphor

Often conceptualized as an AGENT (e.g., 'sulphate attacks concrete'), an INGREDIENT, or a CONTAMINANT.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
Many consumers now seek shampoos to avoid potential irritation.
Multiple Choice

In which field is the term 'sulphate' LEAST likely to be commonly used?

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