sulfide
sulfide Lexical Profile
sulfide Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An inorganic binary compound of sulfur in its lowest oxidation state (-2) with a more electropositive element or radical, or the divalent anion (S2-) itself.
"Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless gas known for its characteristic smell of rotten eggs."
An organic compound containing a sulfur atom bonded to two carbon atoms (R-S-R'); a thioether.
"Dimethyl sulfide is produced naturally by marine phytoplankton and contributes to the smell of the ocean."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse with 'sulfite' (a compound containing the SO3^2- ion) or 'sulfate' (a compound containing the SO4^2- ion); 'sulfide' contains no oxygen and refers to the S^2- ion. Spelled 'sulphide' in non-scientific British usage, though IUPAC recommends 'sulfide' internationally.
• Rhymes for sulfide
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the mid-19th century from 'sulfur' (from Latin 'sulpur') combined with the chemical suffix '-ide' (denoting a binary compound).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.