Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

syl

Prefix

/sɪl/

Definition

Syl is a prefix used in the names of chemical substances that contain sulfur.

Examples

Sylvite is a mineral composed of potassium chloride.
Sylph represents a mythological spirit of the air, often depicted as a graceful being.
The term ‘sylvan’ relates to woods or forests, derived from the Latin ‘silva’ meaning forest.

Meaning

The term is derived from the Greek word ‘sulfur,’ which refers to a chemical element with atomic number 16. The prefix ‘syl’ suggests a connection to sulfur compounds.