hydrogen sulfide

noun

1. a colorless, flammable, water-soluble, cumulatively poisonous gas, H 2 S, having the odor of rotten eggs: used chiefly in the manufacture of chemicals, in metallurgy, and as a reagent in laboratory analysis.

hydrogen sulfide

1. A colorless, poisonous gas that smells like rotten eggs. It is formed naturally by decaying organic matter and is the smelly component of intestinal gas. It is also emitted by volcanoes and fumaroles. Hydrogen sulfide is used in the petroleum, rubber, and mining industries, and in making sulfur. Chemical formula: H ₂ S.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hydrogen sulfide¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

Toxic hydrogen sulfide escapes from nearby wells, giving the air the smell of “burnt rotten eggs,” Campos said.

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The study indicates they’re being exposed to high levels of the toxic gas hydrogen sulfide.

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Recent research also suggests bacteria and hydrogen sulfide as pollutants of concern.

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Residents have also raised concerns about the potential health effects of high levels of hydrogen sulfide and other gases and vapors emanating from the river.

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But now, more than three years later, the noxious odors and elevated hydrogen sulfide emissions persist, despite repeated complaints and appeals to the city of Los Angeles, air quality regulators and local officials.

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