Definition

Relating to or containing sulfur, often associated with a strong, unpleasant smell.

Example

The sulphurous fumes from the volcano could be smelled miles away.

Conversation

Did you smell that sulphurous odor near the lake yesterday?

Yeah, it was really strong! I wonder what caused it.

I heard it might be from the nearby geothermal springs.

That makes sense, they often have that kind of smell.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Sulphurous → It is formed from "sulphur" (from Latin *sulphur*, meaning brimstone or sulfur) and "-ous" (meaning full of or having the qualities of). The word "sulphurous" means having the qualities of sulfur, often associated with a strong, unpleasant smell.

Memory Tip

Think of 'sulphur' as the source of a strong smell, and remember that 'sulphurous' describes something that is full of that sulfur-like quality.

Visually Confused Words