sulfur

noun

sul·​fur ˈsəl-fər 

variants or chiefly British sulphur

: a nonmetallic chemical element that is an essential element for all life, resembles oxygen in chemical properties, and is used especially in the form of sulfuric acid to extract phosphates from ores see Chemical Elements Table

sulfury adjective

or chiefly British sulphury

ˈsəl-fər-ē 

Is it sulfur or sulphur?: Usage Guide

The spelling sulfur predominates in U.S. technical usage, while both sulfur and sulphur are common in general usage. British usage tends to favor sulphur for all applications. The same pattern is seen in most of the words derived from sulfur.

Examples of sulfur in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This is largely due to the mineral composition of spring water, which contains varying amounts of sulfur, manganese, magnesium, zinc, selenium, strontium, silica, and calcium bicarbonate. —Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 26 Mar. 2024

Meanwhile, 96% are home to sensitive species and natural habitats that are hurt by ozone pollution and sulfur nitrogen deposition. —Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 23 Mar. 2024

Nitrogen and sulfur deposits can make water more acidic, while excess nitrogen can also contribute to toxic algae blooms. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Mar. 2024

Nitrogen and sulfur, which are washed out of the sky by precipitation, can contaminate soil and water. —Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2024

The gel uses sulfur and resorcinol monoacetate instead of common prescription clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide blends. —Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 26 Feb. 2024

In many ways, Sulphur Bank Mine, named for the bubbling pools of sulfur that existed there when Abraham Lincoln was president, is a large, and costly tip of a very big problem in California and the American West. —Paul Rogers, The Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2024

When Phaethon 3200 passes close to the sun, its surface temperature rises to about 800°C, about the same temperature that CY carbonaceous chondrite meteorites produce carbon dioxide, water vapor and sulfide sulfur gas. —Jamie Carter, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2023

The Heart Nebula's shape is driven by supermassive stars in its core, with the blue colors produced by ionized oxygen and sulfur. —Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 7 Dec. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sulphur brimstone, from Latin sulpur, sulphur, sulfur

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing sulfur

• sulfur dioxide
• sulfur bacterium
• sulfur mushroom
• sulfur shelf
• sulfur polypore

Kids Definition

sulfur

noun

sul·​fur

variants also sulphur

ˈsəl-fər 

: a nonmetallic element that occurs either free or combined especially in sulfides and sulfates, is found in proteins, exists in several forms including yellow crystals, and is used especially in the chemical and paper industries, in strengthening rubber, and in medicine for treating skin diseases see element

Medical Definition

sulfur

1 of 2 noun

sul·​fur

variants or chiefly British sulphur

ˈsəl-fər 

: a nonmetallic element that occurs either free or combined especially in sulfides and sulfates, is a constituent of proteins, exists in several allotropic forms including yellow orthorhombic crystals, resembles oxygen chemically but is less active and more acidic, and is used especially in the chemical and paper industries, in rubber vulcanization, and in medicine for treating skin diseases

—symbol S see Chemical Elements Table

sulfur

2 of 2 adjective

variants or chiefly British sulphur

: of, relating to, or resembling sulfur : containing or impregnated with sulfur