sulfur
noun
sul·fur ˈsəl-fər 
variants or chiefly British sulphur
: a nonmetallic chemical element that is an essential element for all life, resembles oxygen in chemical properties, and is used especially in the form of sulfuric acid to extract phosphates from ores see Chemical Elements Table
sulfury adjective
or chiefly British sulphury
ˈsəl-fər-ē
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Fuel oil exports reached 320,000 bpd, the highest level this year, while shipments of methanol, sulfur, and petroleum coke rose slightly from the 252,000 tonnes of July, fueled by buoyant demand in Europe, India, and the United States. 
The Christian Science Monitor, 8 Sep. 2022 At slow rates of discharge, the aluminum sulfur cells had a charge capacity per weight that was over three times that of lithium-ion batteries. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 24 Aug. 2022 Lime sulfur concentrate can be found at farm stores. oregonlive, 22 May 2022 Unlike most forest bathing experiences which keep journeyers on dry land, guests bathe in the hot water sulfur spa of Ti Kwen Glo Cho at the end of the excursion, with pools, tubs, and waterfalls tucked into lush landscaped gardens. Perri Ormont Blumberg, Travel + Leisure, 7 May 2022 These tiny clusters of iron ions and sulfur ions at the heart of ancient proteins are like little minerals. Viviane Callier, Quanta Magazine, 8 Aug. 2022 Other helpful things include topical sulfur creams or cleansers, which are anti-inflammatory and work by killing acne-causing bacteria. Tatjana Freund, ELLE, 27 July 2022 The initial combustion releases a shower of particles—sulfur, nitrogen oxides, soot, and water vapor. Wired, 28 July 2022 Enlarge / Detailed elemental distribution images for (a) arsenic, (b) calcium, (c) iron, (d) sulfur, (e) lead, and (f) copper. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 14 June 2022 See More
The Christian Science Monitor, 8 Sep. 2022 At slow rates of discharge, the aluminum sulfur cells had a charge capacity per weight that was over three times that of lithium-ion batteries. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 24 Aug. 2022 Lime sulfur concentrate can be found at farm stores. oregonlive, 22 May 2022 Unlike most forest bathing experiences which keep journeyers on dry land, guests bathe in the hot water sulfur spa of Ti Kwen Glo Cho at the end of the excursion, with pools, tubs, and waterfalls tucked into lush landscaped gardens. Perri Ormont Blumberg, Travel + Leisure, 7 May 2022 These tiny clusters of iron ions and sulfur ions at the heart of ancient proteins are like little minerals. Viviane Callier, Quanta Magazine, 8 Aug. 2022 Other helpful things include topical sulfur creams or cleansers, which are anti-inflammatory and work by killing acne-causing bacteria. Tatjana Freund, ELLE, 27 July 2022 The initial combustion releases a shower of particles—sulfur, nitrogen oxides, soot, and water vapor. Wired, 28 July 2022 Enlarge / Detailed elemental distribution images for (a) arsenic, (b) calcium, (c) iron, (d) sulfur, (e) lead, and (f) copper. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 14 June 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English sulphur brimstone, from Latin sulpur, sulphur, sulfur
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing sulfur
Kids Definition
sulfur
noun
sul·fur
variants also sulphur
ˈsəl-fər
: a yellow chemical element that is found widely in nature and is used in making chemicals and paper
Medical Definition
sulfur 1 of 2
noun
sul·fur
variants or chiefly British sulphur
ˈsəl-fər
: 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 —symbol S see Chemical Elements Table
sulfur
2 of 2adjective
variants or chiefly British sulphur
: of, relating to, or resembling sulfur : containing or impregnated with sulfur