Adjacent Words

sulfur definitions

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WordNet (r) 3.0 (2005)

n
1: an abundant tasteless odorless multivalent nonmetallic element; best known in yellow crystals; occurs in many sulphide and sulphate minerals and even in native form (especially in volcanic regions) [syn: sulfur, S, sulphur, atomic number 16] v
1: treat with sulphur in order to preserve; "These dried fruits are sulphured" [syn: sulphur, sulfur]

Merriam Webster's

also sulphur noun Etymology: Middle English sulphur brimstone, from Latin sulpur, sulphur, sulfur Date: 14th century a nonmetallic element that occurs either free or combined especially in sulfides and sulfates, is a constituent of proteins, exists in several allotropic forms including yellow orthorhombic crystals, resembles oxygen chemically but is less active and more acidic, and is used especially in the chemical and paper industries, in rubber vulcanization, and in medicine for treating skin diseases — see element table • sulfury or sulphury adjective Usage: The spelling sulfur predominates in United States technical usage, while both sulfur and sulphur are common in general usage. British usage tends to favor sulphur for all applications. The same pattern is seen in most of the words derived from sulfur.

Collin's Cobuild Dictionary

see sulphur