Main Entry: ¹sul·fur

Variant(s): or chiefly British sul·phur \ˈsəl-fər\

Function: noun

: 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 element table