hydrogen sulfide


noun

a colorless, flammable, water-soluble, cumulatively poisonous gas, H2S, having the odor of rotten eggs: used chiefly in the manufacture of chemicals, in metallurgy, and as a reagent in laboratory analysis.
Also called sulfureted hydrogen.

Origin of hydrogen sulfide

First recorded in 1870–75

Medical definitions for hydrogen sulfide

hydrogen sulfide

n.

A colorless, flammable poisonous gas that has a characteristic rotten-egg odor, is formed in the decomposition of organic matter containing sulfur, and is used as an antiseptic, a bleach, and a reagent.

Scientific definitions for hydrogen sulfide

hydrogen sulfide

A colorless, poisonous gas that smells like rotten eggs. It is formed naturally by decaying organic matter and is the smelly component of intestinal gas. It is also emitted by volcanoes and fumaroles. Hydrogen sulfide is used in the petroleum, rubber, and mining industries, and in making sulfur. Chemical formula: H2S.