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hydrogen sulfide
noun
: a flammable poisonous gas H2S that has an odor suggestive of rotten eggs and is found especially in many mineral waters and in putrefying matter
Examples of hydrogen sulfide in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The vapors might contain hydrogen sulfide, which can be lethal if inhaled in a concentrated amount.
—Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2024
The station, made up of wireless sensors, will quantify on an hourly basis levels of various compounds in the air that contribute to poor air quality, such as hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide.
—Tammy Murga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2024
Leaking hydrogen sulfide, which reeks of rotten eggs, has turned the air toxic, making each breath burn.
—Mark Olalde, ProPublica, 22 Feb. 2024
In 2021, the state legislature passed a bill that required Suncor to install monitoring equipment along its fenceline to test the air for hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen cyanide and benzene.
—Noelle Phillips, The Denver Post, 5 Feb. 2024
That particular smell is thanks to the hydrogen sulfide, a toxic gas spewed out by the deteriorating algae.
—WIRED, 23 June 2023
In 1948, The Indianapolis News reported the coke plant was found to be emitting hydrogen sulfide gas, the likely culprit of the purple houses.
—Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 20 Mar. 2024
The odor test showed the lake’s hydrogen sulfide levels were at 0.3 parts per million.
—Shawn Raymundo, The Arizona Republic, 16 Mar. 2024
Testing also was done to check the levels of hydrogen sulfide, often characterized as a rotten egg smell.
—Shawn Raymundo, The Arizona Republic, 16 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hydrogen sulfide.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1869, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near hydrogen sulfide
Cite this Entry
“Hydrogen sulfide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydrogen%20sulfide. Accessed 9 May. 2024.
Kids Definition
hydrogen sulfide
noun
: a flammable poisonous gas with a disagreeable odor suggestive of rotten eggs
Medical Definition
hydrogen sulfide
noun
: a flammable poisonous gas H2S that has an odor suggestive of rotten eggs and is found especially in many mineral waters and in putrefying matter
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