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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Any remaining oil and gas, or other underground deposits of chemicals like hydrogen sulfide, could use the old well as a path to migrate up and into the atmosphere. Camila Domonoske, NPR, 8 July 2025 Because the woman and her sister described a smell of rotten eggs, detectives concluded the substance was hydrogen sulfide, a toxic gas. Rock County Sheriff Curtis Fell said the Rock County victim was still in a wheelchair as a result of her poisoning. Kailani Koenig, NBC news, 21 June 2025 The sensor has often detected hydrogen sulfide at high levels. Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2025 And the rotten-egg stench from the hydrogen sulfide emitted by the lake’s decomposing organic matter, an odor particularly noticeable in the summer, has gotten no better. Jorge L. Ortiz, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hydrogen sulfide

Word History

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hydrogen sulfide was in 1869

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Cite this Entry

“Hydrogen sulfide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydrogen%20sulfide. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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