sulfur

American  

[suhl-fer] / ˈsʌl fər /

noun

1. Chemistry. Also a nonmetallic element that exists in several forms, the ordinary one being a yellow rhombic crystalline solid, and that burns with a blue flame and a suffocating odor: used especially in making gunpowder and matches, in medicine, in vulcanizing rubber, etc. S; 32.064; 16; 2.07 at 20° C.

2. sulphur.

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sulfur British  

/ ˈsʌlfə /

noun

1. the US preferred spelling of sulphur

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sulfur Scientific  

/ sŭl′fər /

1. A pale-yellow, brittle nonmetallic element that occurs widely in nature, especially in volcanic deposits, minerals, natural gas, and petroleum. It is used to make gunpowder and fertilizer, to vulcanize rubber, and to produce sulfuric acid. Atomic number 16; atomic weight 32.066; melting point (rhombic) 112.8°C; (monoclinic) 119.0°C; boiling point 444.6°C; specific gravity (rhombic) 2.07; (monoclinic) 1.957; valence 2, 4, 6.

2. See Periodic Table

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Etymology

Origin of sulfur

1300–50; Middle English sulphur < Latin sulpur, sulphur, sulfur brimstone, sulfur

Example Sentences

Power plant stacks emitted more sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide last year, according to an analysis of government data.

From The Wall Street Journal

The biggest power plant in Texas, WA Parish near Thompsons, Texas, emitted 49% more sulfur dioxide last year, or 36,000 tons—more than all but six states that year, according to NRDC’s analysis.

From The Wall Street Journal

Coal is relatively inexpensive to produce but is the dirtiest fossil fuel, releasing considerable particulate air pollution, sulfur dioxide and mercury, and nearly twice the planet-warming carbon dioxide as natural gas.

From Los Angeles Times

These elements, including sulfur, exist in solid form within the protoplanetary disk where planets take shape.

From Science Daily

The air began to reek of sulfur, the rotten-egg smell reminding them of Yellowstone National Park or hot springs around Sue’s hometown in Wyoming.

From Literature