How Do You Spell SULPHUROUS?

Pronunciation: [sˈʌlfəɹəs] (IPA)

The spelling of "sulphurous" may seem confusing to some as it contains an "ph" instead of an "f". This spelling is due to the word's origin from the Latin word "sulphur". In the early 18th century, the spelling of "sulfur" became more common in American English, while "sulphur" remained prevalent in British English. The word is pronounced /ˈsʌl.fər.əs/ with the stress on the first syllable and the first "o" being pronounced as a schwa sound.

SULPHUROUS Meaning and Definition

1. Sulphurous (also spelled sulfurous) is an adjective that is used to describe something that is characterized by or contains sulphur, a chemical element with the atomic symbol S and atomic number 16. Sulphur is a yellow solid substance that is found in nature and is commonly associated with volcanic activity or strong-smelling substances, such as rotten eggs.

   In the context of its usage, sulphurous often refers to something that has a distinct smell or taste reminiscent of sulphur. This can include the smell of natural gas or steam vents, which has a pungent, strong odour. Additionally, sulphurous can describe something that emits sulphur dioxide (SO2) gas, a byproduct of burning sulphur-containing fossil fuels, industrial processes, or volcanic activity.

   Sulphurous can also be used metaphorically to depict something as being acrid, fiery, or destructive. For example, it can be used to describe a speech or writing style that is characterized by sharp criticism, bitterness, or harshness. This connotation originates from the belief that sulphur is associated with hellfire or damnation in various religious and mythological contexts.

   Overall, the term "sulphurous" encompasses the chemical, olfactory, and metaphorical attributes of sulphur, providing a versatile descriptor that can depict both physical and abstract qualities.

2. Containing or relating to sulphur.

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

3. Containing, or resembling, sulphur.

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

Common Misspellings for SULPHUROUS

• aulphurous
• zulphurous
• xulphurous
• dulphurous
• eulphurous
• wulphurous
• sylphurous
• shlphurous
• sjlphurous
• silphurous
• s8lphurous
• s7lphurous
• Monosulphurete

Etymology of SULPHUROUS

The etymology of the word "sulphurous" can be traced back to the Latin word "sulfur", which means "sulfur" or "brimstone". The Latin word is derived from the Ancient Greek word "sulphur", which also refers to sulfur or brimstone. The term "sulphurous" has been in use in English since the 14th century, and it is often used to describe the characteristic smell or presence of sulfur compounds.

Similar spelling words for SULPHUROUS

• sulfurous,
• sulphuric,
• Sulphur Mine,
• sulphur,
• sulphuretted,
• sulphurette,
• Sulphur Oxide.