sulfur

IPA/ˈsʌlfə(r)/
KK[sˈʌlfɚ]IPA/ˈsʌlfər/

sulfur — noun

1. Sulfur is a chemical element that takes the form of a pale yellow solid found in

1.nounB1
Definition

Sulfur is a chemical element that takes the form of a pale yellow solid found in the earth's crust, often near volcanoes or in mineral deposits. When heated, it gives off a blue flame as well as a strong, sharp odor. People use it in making medicines, fertilizers, rubber, and paper.

Example

When coal burns in a power plant, it releases sulfur dioxide into the air.

collocation: sulfur dioxide / releases

The old sulfur mine near Mount Fuji was closed down twenty years ago.

Common collocations
  • sulfur dioxide
  • sulfur compounds
  • sulfur content
  • sulfur emissions
  • sulfuric acid
  • sulfur smell
Synonyms
  • brimstone

    archaic or biblical term; rarely used in modern science

Usage Note

British English spells this word 'sulphur'. In scientific compound names, 'sulfur' is commonly combined with other words: 'sulfur dioxide', 'sulfuric acid', 'sulfur compounds'.

Common Mistakes

The mine produced sulfide.' (when meaning the element)
The mine produced sulfur.
'sulfide' is a chemical compound containing sulfur, not the element itself.

Word family

  • sulfuric
    adjectiveB2
  • sulfate
    nounB2
  • sulfide
    nounC1
  • sulfurous
    adjectiveC1
  • sulfite
    nounC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

While 'sulfur' is the standard modern name for the element in American English, 'brimstone' is an archaic term that appears in historical and religious texts (e.g., 'fire and brimstone') and is rarely used in scientific contexts. 'Sulphur' is the British English spelling variant — it refers to the exact same substance but is preferred in UK, Commonwealth, and much international academic writing. Learners should use 'sulfur' for American contexts and 'sulphur' when writing for British readers; both are equally correct in scientific descriptions.

sulfur ↗brimstone ↗sulphur ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Prepositions

Etymology

SemiticLatinEnglish

The name comes from Latin 'sulfur' (also spelled 'sulphur'), a word used for the element in ancient Rome. The Latin term may have come from a Semitic source, possibly related to Akkadian 'ṣurpu' meaning 'to burn'. The element has been known since prehistoric times. The spelling 'sulfur' became standard in American English, while 'sulphur' remained traditional in British English until the late 20th century.