sulphur

¹

[ suhl-fer ]

noun

1. Chiefly British. sulfur ( def 1 ).
2. Also yellow with a greenish tinge; lemon color.

Sulphur

²

[ suhl-fer ]

noun

1. a city in SW Louisiana.

sulphur

/ ˈsʌlfə; sʌlˈfjʊərɪk /

noun

1. 1. an allotropic nonmetallic element, occurring free in volcanic regions and in combined state in gypsum, pyrite, and galena. The stable yellow rhombic form converts on heating to monoclinic needles. It is used in the production of sulphuric acid, in the vulcanization of rubber, and in fungicides. Symbol: S; atomic no: 16; atomic wt: 32.066; valency: 2, 4, or 6; relative density: 2.07 (rhombic), 1.957 (monoclinic); melting pt: 115.22°C (rhombic), 119.0°C (monoclinic); boiling pt: 444.674°C thionic
   2. ( as modifier )

      sulphur springs

Derived Forms

• sulphuric, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sulphur¹

Variant of sulfur

Word History and Origins

Origin of sulphur¹

C14 soufre, from Old French, from Latin sulfur

Example Sentences

Nigeria’s crude oil is low in sulphur and, as one of the most prized in the world, fetches a higher price than many of its competitors.

From BBC

Wealthy Victorians travelled from as far as London believing the local sulphur and iron-rich water had healing powers.

From BBC

In addition to the danger of the release of toxic sulphur dioxide gas, just being exposed to dust particles from the concentrate can damage a person’s respiratory system.

From BBC

First, by removing asbestos and sulphur and then by using renewable materials.

From BBC

Pinatubo, the resulting half a degree of global cooling was the result of about 15 million tonnes of sulphur dioxide injected into the stratosphere.

From BBC