sulphur: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumTechnical, but also used in general contexts.
Quick answer
What does “sulphur” mean?
A chemical element (symbol S, atomic number 16), a yellow, brittle, non-metallic solid.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A chemical element (symbol S, atomic number 16), a yellow, brittle, non-metallic solid.
The substance in various forms, used in industry for making sulfuric acid, fertilizers, and in religious or literary contexts referring to hellfire or purification.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'sulphur' is standard in British English, while 'sulfur' is standard in American English. Pronunciation also varies slightly.
Connotations
Both refer to the same element with no significant connotative differences beyond regional spelling preferences.
Frequency
In scientific contexts, 'sulfur' is increasingly used internationally, but 'sulphur' remains prevalent in British English.
Grammar
How to Use “sulphur” in a Sentence
transitive: sulphur somethingpassive: be sulphuredVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sulphur” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The winemaker sulphured the barrels to prevent bacterial growth.
American English
- The winemaker sulfured the barrels to prevent bacterial growth.
adjective
British English
- The sulphurous odour from the geothermal vent was overwhelming.
American English
- The sulfurous odour from the geothermal vent was overwhelming.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In the chemical industry, sulphur is a key raw material for sulfuric acid production.
Academic
In chemistry, sulphur exhibits allotropes such as rhombic and monoclinic sulphur.
Everyday
The smell of sulphur is often noticed near volcanoes or hot springs.
Technical
Sulphur hexafluoride is used as an insulating gas in electrical equipment.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sulphur”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sulphur”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sulphur”
- Misspelling as 'sulfer'
- Confusing 'sulphur' with 'sulfate' or 'sulfite'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are correct, but 'sulphur' is standard in British English and 'sulfur' in American English.
Sulphur is used in fertilizers, gunpowder, matches, and in the vulcanization of rubber.
The smell comes from hydrogen sulphide, a compound containing sulphur that is produced by anaerobic bacteria.
Elemental sulphur is relatively safe, but some sulphur compounds, like sulphur dioxide or hydrogen sulphide, can be toxic or corrosive.
A chemical element (symbol S, atomic number 16), a yellow, brittle, non-metallic solid.
Sulphur is usually technical, but also used in general contexts. in register.
Sulphur: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌlfə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʌlfɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “fire and brimstone”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember 'sulphur' with 'ph' like in 'phone' for British English, and 'sulfur' with 'f' for American English.
Conceptual Metaphor
Sulphur is often metaphorically associated with hell, devilry, or purification due to its historical and religious connotations.
Practice
Quiz
Which spelling is preferred in American English?