Search Dictionary
Definition of sulfa

sulfa

/ˈsʌl.fə/
(UK: sulpha)
sul · fa
Plural:sulfas
•
Adjective:sulfa
JUMP TO:

sulfa Lexical Profile

sulfa Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Relating to, containing, or belonging to the sulfonamide group of antimicrobial drugs.

Example

"The patient developed a severe allergic rash after taking a sulfa antibiotic for her infection."

• noun

1

A sulfa drug; any of various synthetic organic compounds derived from sulfanilamide that inhibit bacterial growth and are used to treat bacterial infections.

Example

"Before the widespread availability of penicillin, physicians relied heavily on sulfa to treat battlefield wounds."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for sulfa

• Nearby Words

sukkot
sulak
sulcata tortoise
sulfa
sulfate
sulfide
sulfite

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 1940s as a clipped form of 'sulfanilamide' or 'sulfonamide', a compound of 'sulfur' and 'amide'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Sulfa. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/sulfa
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.