bisulphite: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very RareScientific/Technical
Quick answer
What does “bisulphite” mean?
A chemical compound containing the HSO₃⁻ ion.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A chemical compound containing the HSO₃⁻ ion.
In industrial and technical contexts, a salt, ester, or other derivative of sulphurous acid containing the bisulphite ion (HSO₃⁻), often used as a preservative, antioxidant, or in chemical processing such as bleaching.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily spelling: British English typically uses 'bisulphite' (consistent with 'sulphur'), while American English uses 'bisulfite' (consistent with 'sulfur').
Connotations
No significant connotative difference beyond the regional spelling preference. Both denote the same chemical entity.
Frequency
Low frequency in both varieties, but the American spelling 'bisulfite' will be more prevalent in international scientific literature. In the UK, 'bisulphite' remains standard in many traditional industrial and educational contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “bisulphite” in a Sentence
The [noun] was treated with sodium bisulphite.Bisulphite is used as a [purpose] in [industry].The reaction involves the addition of bisulphite.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bisulphite” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The bisulphite concentration was measured.
- A bisulphite treatment process.
American English
- The bisulfite concentration was measured.
- A bisulfite treatment process.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in specifications for food additives, chemical supply contracts, or material safety data sheets (MSDS).
Academic
Used in chemistry, biochemistry (e.g., bisulphite sequencing for DNA methylation analysis), food science, and chemical engineering papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used. A consumer might see it listed as an ingredient (e.g., 'sodium bisulphite') on a food or wine label.
Technical
Standard term in chemical manufacturing, water treatment (dechlorination), photography (as a fixer), textile processing, and pulp/paper industry.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bisulphite”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bisulphite”
- Misspelling as 'bisulfate' (a different ion).
- Using 'bisulphite' as a countable noun in plural form for the ion itself (e.g., 'two bisulphites' is incorrect for the ion; correct for two separate compounds).
- Pronouncing the 'ph' as /f/ in isolation; in 'bisulphite', the 'ph' is part of the 'sulph' digraph pronounced /sʌlf/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is widely used as a food preservative (E222) and antioxidant to prevent browning, and in industrial applications as a reducing agent and for removing chlorine.
Yes. Metabisulphite (e.g., sodium metabisulphite) is a different compound (S₂O₅²⁻) that releases bisulphite ions in solution. They are related but not identical.
Follow the regional convention of your audience. Use 'bisulphite' for British English contexts and 'bisulfite' for American English or most international scientific publications.
In regulated quantities as a food additive, it is generally recognized as safe for most people. However, it can trigger asthma or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. In industrial settings, proper handling procedures are required as it can release sulphur dioxide gas.
A chemical compound containing the HSO₃⁻ ion.
Bisulphite is usually scientific/technical in register.
Bisulphite: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbaɪˈsʌl.faɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbaɪˈsʌl.faɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'BI' (two parts: hydrogen and sulphite) + 'SULPHITE' (like 'sulphur'). It's a sulphite with an extra hydrogen atom.
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts are you LEAST likely to encounter the word 'bisulphite'?