How Do You Spell SULPHIDE?

Pronunciation: [sˈʌlfa͡ɪd] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "sulphide" has been a point of confusion for many, particularly due to variations in its spelling across different regions. In the US, it is typically spelled as "sulfide," while in the UK and other English-speaking countries, it is commonly spelled as "sulphide." The spelling variation reflects differences in pronunciation, with the "ph" representing a voiced labiodental fricative /f/ sound in British English, while the "f" represents an unvoiced bilabial fricative /f/ sound in American English.

SULPHIDE Meaning and Definition

1. Sulphide, also spelled sulfide, refers to a chemical compound that is composed of sulfur atoms and atoms of another element. It belongs to a class of compounds known as chalcogenides. Sulphides can form when sulfur reacts with a metal or a nonmetal element. They are commonly found in nature and can also be synthesized in laboratories for various purposes.

   Sulphides exhibit a wide range of properties depending on the nature of the other element they are combined with. Some sulphides are solid while others can be gases or liquids. They can have different colors, ranging from yellow to black, and vary in their solubility in water. Many sulphides possess distinct odors, which can be either unpleasant or even foul-smelling.

   Sulphides are abundant in the Earth's crust and are of great importance in various fields. They have diverse applications in industry, including being used as raw materials in the production of a host of chemicals and materials. Sulphides also play a crucial role in mineralogy and ore processing, as they are the main sources of valuable minerals such as zinc, lead, copper, and iron.

   In terms of their reactivity, sulphides can undergo chemical reactions with other substances. For example, they can react with acids to produce hydrogen sulphide gas, a toxic and often pungent compound. Additionally, sulphides can participate in oxidation-reduction reactions and are often involved in various biological processes.

   In summary, sulphide refers to a compound composed of sulfur and another element, commonly found in nature and with various industrial and scientific applications.

2. A compound of sulphur with a base, sulphuret.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

3. A compound of sulphur with another elementary substance.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for SULPHIDE

• sulphite
• disulphide
• sulphid
• sulphyde
• sulphit
• sulphhite
• sulphacide
• sulphaid
• Sulphasid
• sulphrine
• Silphid
• Palyphide
• Silphids
• Surphie
• Sulponide
• selphode
• sulphese

Etymology of SULPHIDE

The word sulphide is derived from the Latin term sulfur, meaning sulfur or brimstone. In Latin, the suffix -id was added to indicate that it was a compound. The term was later anglicized to sulfide in English, but some fields, particularly chemistry, still utilize the older spelling sulphide.

Similar spelling words for SULPHIDE

• sulfide,
• sulphate.

Plural form of SULPHIDE is SULPHIDES