sulf-

American  

1. a combining form representing sulfur in compound words.

   sulfarsphenamine.

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sulf- British  

combining form

1. a US variant of sulph-

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Usage

What does sulf- mean? The combining form sulf- is used like a prefix meaning “sulfur,” a nonmetallic element known for its distinctive odor. This form is often used in scientific terms, especially in chemistry. The form sulf- comes from Latin sulfur, meaning both “sulfur” and “brimstone.”What are variants of sulf-?When combined with words or word elements that begin with a consonant, sulf- becomes sulfo-, as in sulfocarbanilide. In British English, sulf- is spelled sulph- or sulpho-, as in sulphide. Want to know more? Read our Words That Use articles for these combining forms.