Brimstone

Brimstone, also known as sulfur, is a chemical element with the symbol S and atomic number 16. It's a yellow, crystalline, nonmetal. Historically, brimstone was synonymous with sulfur in its raw, elemental form. It's often associated with fire and hell due to its flammability, pungent odor when burned, and volcanic origins. The term reflects its historical significance in alchemy, religious texts, and practical applications like gunpowder production and medicinal uses. It is the smell emitted from a burning match or even a volcano. Sulfur is an essential element for living organisms.

Brimstone meaning with examples

• The air in the cave hung heavy with the stench of brimstone, a clear indication of the volcanic activity lurking beneath the surface. The explorers cautiously advanced, their lanterns casting flickering shadows on the damp, sulfur-stained rocks, the acrid smell stinging their nostrils. The unpleasant, intense aroma was a serious concern.
• In the biblical depiction of Sodom and Gomorrah, the cities were destroyed with fire and brimstone, symbolizing divine wrath and punishment for their wickedness. The story paints a vivid picture of utter devastation and the complete destruction of sinful places, making for a dark and symbolic tale.
• The alchemist meticulously added brimstone to the mixture, hoping to transmute base metals into gold. He believed that brimstone held potent alchemical properties. His experiments in the cellar are not well documented but show interesting potential. It gave a pungent odor, but he continued with his work.
• The smell of brimstone filled the air after the wildfire raged through the forest. The burned and smoldering remains gave off an acrid, suffocating smoke as a natural result of the destruction. The damage and smell of the disaster was difficult to ignore.