hydrogen sulfide

noun

Definition of hydrogen sulfide

: 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 rotten-egg smell is caused by elevated levels of hydrogen sulfide. Los Angeles Times, "Newsletter: After an emotional fight, new rules governing police use of force," 20 Aug. 2019 The thick seaweed also releases hydrogen sulfide gas that smells like rotten eggs, which can cause problems for those with respiratory issues. Marcus Lim, sun-sentinel.com, "Sargassum seaweed staying on our beaches — indefinitely, study says," 5 July 2019 Dead zones in the oceans today emit poisonous hydrogen sulfide. Letter Writers, Twin Cities, "Letters: Too many trucks where trucks don’t belong," 29 June 2019 Lava damage could cause problems for the plant's operations in the future, and some officials are concerned that damage to geothermal wells could result in releases of hydrogen sulfide gas, which is toxic to humans. Megan Geuss, Ars Technica, "In Hawaii, lava continues its creep onto grounds of geothermal power plant," 27 May 2018 If the molten lava compromises a well, emergency officials say that could set off clouds of flammable and potentially deadly hydrogen sulfide. Jim Carlton, WSJ, "Hawaiian Authorities Work to Protect Power Plant From Lava Flow," 22 May 2018 Although the dump has not accepted methane-rich residential garbage for many years, wood, gypsum board and other construction debris also produce gases, including methane and hydrogen sulfide. Jesse Leavenworth, Courant Community, "Work At Manchester Dump Meant To Curb Stink," 11 May 2018 The federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry has much lower thresholds for hydrogen sulfide. Laura Gómez, azcentral, "State: No signs of health concerns in air around egg farms in West Valley," 7 May 2018 University of Oxford researchers examining the planet's infrared light through the Gemini North telescope discovered clouds of hydrogen sulfide spreading into Uranus' upper atmosphere. Ashley May, USA TODAY, "Clouds above Uranus smell like farts and rotten eggs, Oxford researchers declare," 24 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hydrogen sulfide.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of hydrogen sulfide

1869, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for hydrogen sulfide

hydrogen sulfide

noun

Medical Definition of hydrogen sulfide

: 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