sulfur trioxide
noun Chemistry.
an irritant, corrosive, low-melting solid, SO3, obtained by the oxidation of sulfur dioxide, used as an intermediate in the manufacture of sulfuric acid.
Also called
sulfuric anhydride.
Origin of sulfur trioxide
First recorded in 1865–70
Words nearby sulfur trioxide
sulfur bacteria,
sulfur butterfly,
sulfur dioxide,
sulfur dye,
sulfur spring,
sulfur trioxide,
sulfur-35,
sulfur-bottom,
sulfur-flower,
sulfurate,
sulfurated potash
Scientific definitions for sulfur trioxide
sulfur trioxide
A colorless, highly reactive, corrosive compound that exists either as a liquid or as a solid. As a solid, it exists in three forms that may coexist in a given sample. Sulfur trioxide is used as an intermediate in manufacturing sulfuric acid, and in making sulfonates from organic compounds. Chemical formula: SO3.