thiosulfate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “thiosulfate” mean?
A chemical compound containing the S₂O₃²⁻ anion, where a sulfur atom replaces an oxygen atom in a sulfate ion.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A chemical compound containing the S₂O₃²⁻ anion, where a sulfur atom replaces an oxygen atom in a sulfate ion.
In chemistry, a salt or ester of thiosulfuric acid. In specific applications (e.g., photography, medicine), it refers to sodium thiosulfate (hypo) used as a fixing agent or an antidote.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. Both variants use 'thiosulfate', though British publications may occasionally use 'thiosulphate' (see note below).
Connotations
Identical technical meaning in both dialects.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general discourse, confined to specialised fields.
Grammar
How to Use “thiosulfate” in a Sentence
[Substance] is treated with thiosulfateThiosulfate reacts with [iodine/cyanide]The thiosulfate concentration was determined by titration.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “thiosulfate” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The thiosulphate was added dropwise to quench the reaction.
- Old photographic fixer contains used-up thiosulphate.
American English
- The thiosulfate concentration is critical for the titration endpoint.
- Sodium thiosulfate is the preferred antidote in this kit.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; only in specific industrial chemical supply or photographic equipment contexts.
Academic
Common in chemistry, chemical engineering, pharmacology, and environmental science textbooks and papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Standard term in analytical chemistry, water treatment, photography (fixing baths), and medical toxicology (cyanide antidote).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “thiosulfate”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “thiosulfate”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “thiosulfate”
- Misspelling as 'thiosulphate' (archaic/UK variant) in American contexts.
- Confusing with 'sulfate' or 'sulfite'.
- Incorrect plural: 'thiosulfates' is correct.
- Mispronouncing 'thio-' as /ˈθiːoʊ/ instead of /ˌθaɪoʊ/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are correct, but 'thiosulfate' is the standard IUPAC and American English spelling. 'Thiosulphate' is an older British variant, now less common even in UK scientific publishing.
'Hypo' is a traditional, informal name for sodium thiosulfate (Na₂S₂O₃), specifically in the context of photography.
Sodium thiosulfate is generally low in toxicity and is even used medically as an antidote. However, as with all chemicals, appropriate safety handling for its specific form and concentration is required.
In chemical nomenclature, the prefix 'thio-' indicates that a sulfur atom replaces an oxygen atom in the parent compound (e.g., sulfate SO₄²⁻ → thiosulfate S₂O₃²⁻).
A chemical compound containing the S₂O₃²⁻ anion, where a sulfur atom replaces an oxygen atom in a sulfate ion.
Thiosulfate is usually technical/scientific in register.
Thiosulfate: in British English it is pronounced /ˌθaɪə(ʊ)ˈsʌlfeɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌθaɪoʊˈsʌlfeɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'THIO' = SULFUR (like 'thiourea'). So, thio-SULFATE = a sulfate with sulfur swapped in.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SUBSTITUTE or STAND-IN (sulfur stands in for oxygen in the sulfate structure).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary role of thiosulfate in iodometric titration?