sulphurous acid

sulphurous acid
Sulphur Sul"phur, n. [L., better sulfur: cf. F. soufre.] 1. (Chem.) A nonmetallic element occurring naturally in large quantities, either combined as in the sulphides (as pyrites) and sulphates (as gypsum), or native in volcanic regions, in vast beds mixed with gypsum and various earthy materials, from which it is melted out. Symbol S. Atomic weight 32. The specific gravity of ordinary octohedral sulphur is 2.05; of prismatic sulphur, 1.96. [1913 Webster]

Note: It is purified by distillation, and is obtained as a lemon-yellow powder (by sublimation), called flour, or flowers, of sulphur, or in cast sticks called roll sulphur, or brimstone. It burns with a blue flame and a peculiar suffocating odor. It is an ingredient of gunpowder, is used on friction matches, and in medicine (as a laxative and insecticide), but its chief use is in the manufacture of sulphuric acid. Sulphur can be obtained in two crystalline modifications, in orthorhombic octahedra, or in monoclinic prisms, the former of which is the more stable at ordinary temperatures. Sulphur is the type, in its chemical relations, of a group of elements, including selenium and tellurium, called collectively the sulphur group, or family. In many respects sulphur resembles oxygen. [1913 Webster]

2. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of numerous species of yellow or orange butterflies of the subfamily {Pierin[ae]}; as, the clouded sulphur ({Eurymus philodice} syn. {Colias philodice}), which is the common yellow butterfly of the Eastern United States. [1913 Webster]

{Amorphous sulphur} (Chem.), an elastic variety of sulphur of a resinous appearance, obtained by pouring melted sulphur into water. On standing, it passes back into a brittle crystalline modification.

{Liver of sulphur}. (Old Chem.) See {Hepar}.

{Sulphur acid}. (Chem.) See {Sulphacid}.

{Sulphur alcohol}. (Chem.) See {Mercaptan}.

{Sulphur auratum} [L.] (Old Chem.), a golden yellow powder, consisting of antimonic sulphide, {Sb2S5}, -- formerly a famous nostrum.

{Sulphur base} (Chem.), an alkaline sulphide capable of acting as a base in the formation of sulphur salts according to the old dual theory of salts. [Archaic]

{Sulphur dioxide} (Chem.), a colorless gas, {SO2}, of a pungent, suffocating odor, produced by the burning of sulphur. It is employed chiefly in the production of sulphuric acid, and as a reagent in bleaching; -- called also {sulphurous anhydride}, and formerly {sulphurous acid}.

{Sulphur ether} (Chem.), a sulphide of hydrocarbon radicals, formed like the ordinary ethers, which are oxides, but with sulphur in the place of oxygen.

{Sulphur salt} (Chem.), a salt of a sulphacid; a sulphosalt.

{Sulphur showers}, showers of yellow pollen, resembling sulphur in appearance, often carried from pine forests by the wind to a great distance.

{Sulphur trioxide} (Chem.), a white crystalline solid, {SO3}, obtained by oxidation of sulphur dioxide. It dissolves in water with a hissing noise and the production of heat, forming sulphuric acid, and is employed as a dehydrating agent. Called also {sulphuric anhydride}, and formerly {sulphuric acid}.

{Sulphur whale}. (Zo["o]l.) See {Sulphur-bottom}.

{Vegetable sulphur} (Bot.), lycopodium powder. See under {Lycopodium}. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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  • Sulphurous acid — Sulphurous Sul phur*ous, a. [L. sulphurosus, sulfurosus: cf. F. sulfureux.] 1. Of or pertaining to sulphur. [1913 Webster] 2. (Chem.) (a) Derived from, or containing, sulphur; specifically, designating those compounds in which the element has a… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • sulphurous acid — noun An unstable acid, H2SO3, used as a food preservative and bleaching agent • • • Main Entry: ↑sulphur …   Useful english dictionary

  • sulphurous acid — /sʌlfərəs ˈæsəd/ (say sulfuhruhs asuhd) noun an acid, H2SO3, formed by dissolving sulphur dioxide in water, known mainly by its salts (sulphites). Also, sulfurous acid …  

  • sulphurous acid — noun Chemistry an unstable weak acid formed when sulphur dioxide dissolves in water. [H2SO3.] …   English new terms dictionary

  • Sulphurous — Sul phur*ous, a. [L. sulphurosus, sulfurosus: cf. F. sulfureux.] 1. Of or pertaining to sulphur. [1913 Webster] 2. (Chem.) (a) Derived from, or containing, sulphur; specifically, designating those compounds in which the element has a lower… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Sulphurous anhydride — Sulphurous Sul phur*ous, a. [L. sulphurosus, sulfurosus: cf. F. sulfureux.] 1. Of or pertaining to sulphur. [1913 Webster] 2. (Chem.) (a) Derived from, or containing, sulphur; specifically, designating those compounds in which the element has a… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • sulphurous anhydride — Sulphur Sul phur, n. [L., better sulfur: cf. F. soufre.] 1. (Chem.) A nonmetallic element occurring naturally in large quantities, either combined as in the sulphides (as pyrites) and sulphates (as gypsum), or native in volcanic regions, in vast… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • sulphurous — adj. (US sulfurous) 1 relating to or suggestive of sulphur, esp. in colour. 2 Chem. containing quadrivalent sulphur. Phrases and idioms: sulphurous acid an unstable weak acid used as a reducing and bleaching acid. Etymology: L sulphurosus f.… …   Useful english dictionary

  • Sulphur acid — Sulphur Sul phur, n. [L., better sulfur: cf. F. soufre.] 1. (Chem.) A nonmetallic element occurring naturally in large quantities, either combined as in the sulphides (as pyrites) and sulphates (as gypsum), or native in volcanic regions, in vast… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • sulphuric acid — Sulphur Sul phur, n. [L., better sulfur: cf. F. soufre.] 1. (Chem.) A nonmetallic element occurring naturally in large quantities, either combined as in the sulphides (as pyrites) and sulphates (as gypsum), or native in volcanic regions, in vast… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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