bisulfite: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Technical)Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “bisulfite” mean?
The chemical ion HSO₃⁻ or any salt containing this ion.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The chemical ion HSO₃⁻ or any salt containing this ion.
A compound containing the bisulfite anion, often used as a reducing agent, preservative, or in sequencing and analytical chemistry.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in technical meaning or usage. Spelling remains identical.
Connotations
Technical term with neutral connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general English. Its occurrence is almost exclusively confined to scientific literature and related industries in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “bisulfite” in a Sentence
[chemical compound] reacts with bisulfite.Bisulfite is used to preserve [food/wine/sample].The [process] involves bisulfite treatment.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bisulfite” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- bisulfite-treated DNA
- a bisulfite-containing preservative
American English
- bisulfite-converted samples
- a bisulfite-based reagent
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in supply chain or production reports for chemical, pharmaceutical, or food industries.
Academic
Common in research papers and textbooks in chemistry, molecular biology (e.g., epigenetics/DNA methylation analysis), and food science.
Everyday
Virtually non-existent.
Technical
Standard term in laboratory protocols, chemical safety data sheets, industrial processes, and analytical methods.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bisulfite”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bisulfite”
- Misspelling as 'bisulphite' (archaic UK spelling) is rare as the modern IUPAC spelling prevails. Confusing it with 'metabisulfite'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In regulated, small quantities as a preservative (E222), it is generally recognized as safe for most people, though some individuals, particularly asthmatics, may be sensitive to it.
Bisulfite (HSO₃⁻) is a hydrogen sulfite ion. Metabisulfite (S₂O₅²⁻) is a dimeric anion. In solution, metabisulfite dissociates to form bisulfite ions. They are often used for similar purposes but are distinct chemical entities.
Bisulfite treatment converts unmethylated cytosines to uracil, while methylated cytosines remain unchanged. Subsequent sequencing reveals which cytosines were originally methylated.
Handle with standard lab precautions: wear gloves and eye protection, use in a fume hood if dusty or if generating gas (SO₂), and consult the specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the compound.
The chemical ion HSO₃⁻ or any salt containing this ion.
Bisulfite is usually technical/scientific in register.
Bisulfite: in British English it is pronounced /baɪˈsʌl.faɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /baɪˈsʌl.faɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'BI' (two) + 'SULFITE'. It's like a sulfite (SO₃²⁻), but with an extra hydrogen (H⁺) ion added, making it HSO₃⁻.
Conceptual Metaphor
A chemical 'eraser' or 'preserver': In sequencing, it 'reads' epigenetic marks; in food, it 'locks in' freshness by preventing oxidation.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'bisulfite' MOST commonly used?