hydrogen sulfide

noun

: a flammable poisonous gas H₂S that has an odor suggestive of rotten eggs and is found especially in many mineral waters and in putrefying matter

Examples of hydrogen sulfide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Finally, a carbon filter is used to eliminate odors such as ammonia, cigarette smoke, hydrogen sulfide, and other pollutants that emit unpleasant smells. —John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 2 Apr. 2026

Because the Venusian atmosphere is dominated by carbon dioxide, identifying minor components such as phosphine, ammonia, or hydrogen sulfide is particularly challenging. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Mar. 2026

Decades of static storage lead to the unavoidable accumulation of heavy waxes, dense inorganic sediments, and highly corrosive hydrogen sulfide produced by sulfate-reducing bacteria — turning the bottom of the cavern into a chemical nightmare. —Siddharth Misra, Fortune, 28 Mar. 2026

The exoplanet's atmosphere contains gases like water, sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide -- which can smell like rotten eggs, especially when burned. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 16 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hydrogen sulfide

• acetaldehyde
• acetanilide
• arabinoside
• cycloheximide
• cyclophosphamide
• diethylamide
• dinucleotide
• ferricyanide
• ferrocyanide
• glutaraldehyde
• glyceraldehyde
• hydroperoxide

Kids Definition

hydrogen sulfide

noun

: a flammable poisonous gas with a disagreeable odor suggestive of rotten eggs

Medical Definition

hydrogen sulfide

noun

: a flammable poisonous gas H₂S that has an odor suggestive of rotten eggs and is found especially in many mineral waters and in putrefying matter