sulf-

The combining form sulf- is used like a prefix meaning “sulfur,” a nonmetallic element known for its distinctive odor. This form is often used in scientific terms, especially in chemistry.

The form sulf- comes from Latin sulfur, meaning both “sulfur” and “brimstone.”

What are variants of sulf-?

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a consonant, sulf- becomes sulfo-, as in sulfocarbanilide. In British English, sulf- is spelled sulph- or sulpho-, as in sulphide. Want to know more? Read our Words That Use articles for these combining forms.

One example of a scientific term that features the form sulf- is sulfide, “a compound of sulfur.”

The sulf- part of the word means “sulfur,” while the -ide portion is a suffix used to name chemical compounds. Sulfide literally means “sulfur compound.”

What are some words that use the combining form sulf-?

• sulfatase (using the equivalent form of sulf- in German)
• sulfate (using the equivalent form of sulf- in Latin)
• sulfation
• sulfite
• sulfone (using the equivalent form of sulf- in German)

What are some other forms that sulf- may be commonly confused with?

• sulfon-

The suffix -ite is used to name chemical compounds that are the salts of acids. With this in mind, what is sulfite?