brimstone

[brim-stohn]

noun

1. sulfur.

2. a virago; shrew.

brimstone

/ ˈbrɪmˌstəʊn /

noun

1. an obsolete name for sulphur

2. a common yellow butterfly, Gonepteryx rhamni , of N temperate regions of the Old World: family Pieridae

3. archaic,  a scolding nagging woman; virago

Other Word Forms

• brimstony adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of brimstone¹

before 1150; Middle English brinston, etc., late Old English brynstān. See burn ¹, stone

Word History and Origins

Origin of brimstone¹

Old English brynstān ; related to Old Norse brennistein ; see _burn ¹ , _stone

Example Sentences

When he wants some fire and brimstone in the dressing room he tends to call on others to deliver it.

From BBC

If the Lions are all that they can be, then they will win and should win well, regardless of whatever fire and brimstone might be thrown at them.

From BBC

Johnny Sexton was interesting on Friday when asked about the fire and brimstone the Wallabies were expected to produce from the off in Brisbane.

From BBC

If there was any doubt whether he could get back to his heights of six years ago, they were answered in 30 deliveries of fire and brimstone.

From BBC

In our modern dystopia, fire and brimstone have been replaced by ones and zeroes.

From Salon