SUHL-fayts
/ˈsʌlfeɪts/
sulfates is pronounced SUHL-fayts (/ˈsʌlfeɪts/). Sulfates are chemical compounds containing the sulfate ion (SO4) with a negative charge, typically formed when sulfuric acid combines with metals or bases. In chemistry and industry, sulfates appear as salts or esters of sulfuric acid and are common in minerals, detergents, and fertilizers. The term also refers to the polyatomic anion and its derivatives in various contexts.
Sulfates are chemical compounds containing the sulfate ion (SO4) with a negative charge, typically formed when sulfuric acid combines with metals or bases. In chemistry and industry, sulfates appear as salts or esters of sulfuric acid and are common in minerals, detergents, and fertilizers. The term also refers to the polyatomic anion and its derivatives in various contexts.
"The scientist labeled the sample as a sulfate mineral rich in magnesium."
"Detergents often contain sodium sulfate to improve cleaning efficiency."
"Wastewater treatment removes sulfates to prevent acidification and odor."
Pronounce as /ˈsəlˌfeɪts/ in US/UK/AU. Primary stress on the first syllable: 'SUL-fates' with a light second syllable. Start with an initial alveolar s, then a schwa-like vowel in the first syllable, followed by /l/ and an /eɪ/ diphthong in the second syllable, ending with /ts/. Think: 'SUL-fayts'. Audio reference: see standard dictionaries for /ˈsəlˌfeɪts/.
Common errors: misplacing stress (sul-FATES), pronouncing as /ˈsʌlˌfeɪts/ with an incorrect first syllable vowel, and final consonant misarticulation—pronouncing /sʌlfeits/ or dropping the /t/ in /ts/. Correction: keep the first syllable as /səl/ with a schwa-like neutral vowel, keep the /l/ clear, ensure the second syllable carries /feɪts/ with an audible /t/ before the final /s/. Practice by isolating the ending /t/ and linking it smoothly to /s/.
US: /ˈsəlˌfeɪts/, rhotic r not involved. UK: /ˈsʌlfeɪts/, often a more centralized /ʌ/ in the first syllable and non-rhotic; AU: generally /ˈsʌlfeɪts/ similar to UK but with Australian vowel coloring, slightly higher tongue position in the first vowel and broader vowel quality. In all, the /feɪts/ portion remains consistent with the /fɑɪts/ ending avoidance; the main variation is first-syllable vowel and timing.
Two main challenges: the initial /səl/ can sound like a quick cluster for non-native speakers; and the ending /feɪts/ includes a /t/ before /s/ in a consonant cluster, which some speakers may drop or devoice. The combination can cause a slipping between /l/ and /f/ and a mispronounced /ts/. Focus on maintaining a clear /t/ before /s/ and a short, relaxed /l/ in /səl/.
A unique feature is the crisp dental/alveolar /t/ before /s/ in the ending cluster. In careful speech, you should clearly articulate /t/ with the tongue tip contacting the alveolar ridge and then immediately release into /s/. This helps avoid slurring into /z/ or /s/ and ensures the /ts/ sequence remains distinct across accents.
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Sulfate derives from the combination of sulfur with the Latin suffix -atus, indicating a chemical state or salt. The root sulfur comes from Middle English sulfour, from Latin sulfur, from Greek thȳlos (brimstone). The suffix -ate indicates a chemically oxidized state or a salt formed with a metal. The term sulfate first appeared in the scientific literature in the 18th century as chemistry matured and the sulfates of various metals were systematically described. The modern usage covers both the tetra-oxyanion SO4^2− and a broad class of salts and esters derived from sulfuric acid (H2SO4). The name reflects a long history of sulfur chemistry, where mineral origins and industrial applications pushed sulfate chemistry into mainstream science. Early chemists categorized sulfates by their metal cations (e.g., sodium sulfate, magnesium sulfate), clarifying their properties, solubility, hydration, and acid-base behavior. Over time, the term expanded to include sulfate esters in organic chemistry, where sulfuric acid replaces a hydroxy group to form sulfur-oxygen-sulfur linkages that influence reactivity and biological activity. In modern dictionaries, sulfate is defined both as the anion and as a class of salts/esters, with precise stereochemical and molecular information standardized in IUPAC nomenclature.
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Words that rhyme with "sulfates"
-tes sounds
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