sulphite: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “sulphite” mean?
A salt of sulphurous acid, typically used as a preservative in food and drink, or as a bleach in paper and textile manufacturing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A salt of sulphurous acid, typically used as a preservative in food and drink, or as a bleach in paper and textile manufacturing.
More broadly, a term referring to chemical compounds containing the sulfite ion (SO₃²⁻), used in various industrial processes, and also a term relevant in the context of allergies (sulphite sensitivity) and winemaking (wine preservatives).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'Sulphite' (UK) vs. 'Sulfite' (US). The chemical element is 'sulphur' (UK) vs. 'sulfur' (US). The 'ph' spelling is historical and remains standard in the UK, while 'f' is the IUPAC and US standard.
Connotations
No difference in connotation, only orthography.
Frequency
The spelling 'sulphite' is predominantly used in the UK, Commonwealth nations, and some older scientific texts. 'Sulfite' is the global standard in modern chemistry and in American English, and is more frequent in international scientific publishing.
Grammar
How to Use “sulphite” in a Sentence
[contains] sulphites[is treated] with sulphite[is sensitive] to sulphites[act] as a sulphite[add] sulphite [to something]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sulphite” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The winemaker will sulphite the must to prevent oxidation.
- They sulphited the dried apricots to retain colour.
American English
- The winemaker will sulfite the must to prevent oxidation.
- They sulfited the dried apricots to retain color.
adjective
British English
- She bought sulphite-free wine.
- The sulphite solution was prepared in the lab.
American English
- She bought sulfite-free wine.
- The sulfite solution was prepared in the lab.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used on product labels (e.g., 'Contains Sulphites') for legal compliance in food and beverage industries.
Academic
Common in chemistry, food science, and medical journals discussing allergies or preservation techniques.
Everyday
Mostly seen on wine bottles, dried fruit packets, or medication leaflets; discussed by individuals with food sensitivities.
Technical
Precise term in industrial chemistry for processes like pulp bleaching, water treatment, and photographic development.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sulphite”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sulphite”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sulphite”
- Misspelling as 'sulfate' (a different ion).
- Pronouncing it as /ˈsʌl.fiːt/ instead of /ˈsʌl.faɪt/.
- Using 'sulphite' in an American scientific paper where 'sulfite' is required.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
For the vast majority of people, sulphites are safe and an effective preservative. However, a small percentage of the population, particularly some asthma sufferers, can have a sensitivity or allergic reaction to them.
They are different chemical ions. Sulphite (SO₃²⁻) is used mainly as a preservative. Sulfate (SO₄²⁻) is a common ion found in many salts (e.g., magnesium sulfate - Epsom salts) and is not typically associated with food allergies in the same way.
It's a historical spelling variation. 'Sulph-' with 'ph' is the older, British-derived spelling. 'Sulf-' with 'f' is the modern standardized spelling in international chemistry (IUPAC) and is standard in American English.
You must read ingredient lists carefully. They are common in wine, beer, dried fruits, processed potatoes, and some canned goods. Look for labels stating 'sulphite-free' or 'no added sulphites'. Fresh, unprocessed foods are generally sulphite-free.
A salt of sulphurous acid, typically used as a preservative in food and drink, or as a bleach in paper and textile manufacturing.
Sulphite is usually technical/scientific in register.
Sulphite: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌl.faɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʌl.faɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SULPHur' + 'ITE' (like a mineral suffix) = a compound made from sulphur.
Conceptual Metaphor
Sulphite is a SHIELD/PRESERVER (it protects food from spoilage) but can also be an INTRUDER/AGGRESSOR (for those with allergies).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the spelling 'sulphite' most appropriate?