Sulphur
/ˈsʌl.fər/noun
A yellow chemical element that burns with a blue flame and has long been associated with volcanic activity and the underworld.
Did you know?In medieval and early modern Europe, sulphur was one of the classic alchemical principles and was linked with combustibility, spirit, and the fiery force of transformation.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*swelp- / *swel-
“A proposed ancient root connected by scholars to burning or heat, though the exact prehistory is uncertain.”
Latin
Latin
sulphur
“Sulfur, the yellow combustible substance.”
Late Latin
Latin
sulfur
“A variant spelling of the same word, later favored in scientific usage.”
Old French
Old French
soufre
“Sulfur, brimstone.”
Middle English
English
sulfur / sulphur
“The yellow mineral or chemical substance, especially in medicinal, alchemical, and biblical contexts.”
Modern English
English
sulphur
“The standard British spelling of sulfur, the chemical element.”