SULFUROUS Meaning and
Definition
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Sulfurous is an adjective that describes something that contains or is related to sulfur, a chemical element with the atomic number 16 and symbol S. This term often refers to the presence, smell, or properties of sulfur compounds.
When used in the context of chemistry, sulfurous typically refers to a compound or substance that contains sulfur dioxide (SO2), which is formed from the burning of sulfur or sulfur-containing materials. Sulfurous compounds are often associated with a pungent, choking odor, commonly described as a rotten egg smell. For example, geothermal areas with high sulfur content may emit sulfurous gases.
In a metaphorical sense, sulfurous can also describe an unpleasant or offensive behavior, or a person with such characteristics. This usage draws from the association of sulfur with a strong, lingering smell. Hence, sulfurous can be employed figuratively to describe a person or their actions as having a disagreeable, vile, or morally corrupt nature.
It is worth noting that sulfurous should not be confused with the term "sulphurous" (with an "ph" instead of "f") which refers to something that is fiery, passionate, or characterized by intense heat. This variant is typically used in a figurative sense to describe a person or situation with strong emotions or a heated atmosphere.
Common Misspellings for SULFUROUS
Etymology of SULFUROUS
The word "sulfurous" is derived from the Latin term "sulfurosus", which itself comes from the Latin word "sulfur", meaning "sulfur". Latin borrowed this term from the Greek word "sulfur", which also referred to the element sulfur. Ultimately, the Greek word "sulfur" can be traced back to the Sanskrit term "sulvere" or "sulva", which similarly meant sulfur.
Similar spelling words for SULFUROUS
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