sulfa

[ suhl-fuh ]

adjective

1. related chemically to sulfanilamide.
2. pertaining to, consisting of, or involving a sulfa drug or drugs.

noun

1. sulfa drug.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sulfa¹

First recorded in 1935–40; short for sulfanilamide

Example Sentences

In Buffalo, New York, a different AI tool misheard Dr. Lauren Bruckner when she told a teenage cancer patient it was a good thing she didn’t have an allergy to sulfa drugs.

From Seattle Times

The AI-generated note said, “Allergies: Sulfa.”

From Seattle Times

“Well, FYI, I’m allergic to sulfa, so if there’s sulfa in that gel I might explode. But don’t be afraid. If you were, that is.”

From Literature

He described “improved surgical techniques on the battlefield that are saving wounded men,” as well as new sulfa drugs that reduce bacteria and infections, the administration of plasma and better ways of treating shock and better anesthesia.

From Seattle Times

Dr. Sonnabend pioneered and promoted the use of an inexpensive sulfa drug to prevent this pneumonia in people with H.I.V.

From New York Times