thiosulphate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “thiosulphate” mean?
A salt or ester of thiosulphuric acid, containing the anion S₂O₃²⁻.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A salt or ester of thiosulphuric acid, containing the anion S₂O₃²⁻.
A chemical compound used in photography, analytical chemistry, and as an antichlor in papermaking and textile industries.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
British English predominantly uses 'thiosulphate' (with 'ph'), while American English uses 'thiosulfate' (with 'f').
Connotations
None beyond regional spelling preference.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties, confined to technical fields.
Grammar
How to Use “thiosulphate” in a Sentence
[Substance] is treated with thiosulphate.Thiosulphate reacts with [iodine/chlorine].The [solution] contains thiosulphate.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “thiosulphate” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The thiosulphate concentration was critical.
- A thiosulphate-based fixer is common.
American English
- The thiosulfate solution needs standardizing.
- A thiosulfate titration was performed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in chemistry, photography, and environmental science papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Standard term in analytical chemistry, photography (fixer), water treatment, and gold extraction.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “thiosulphate”
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “thiosulphate”
- Misspelling as 'thiosulfate' in UK contexts or 'thiosulphate' in US contexts.
- Confusing it with sulphate or sulphite.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they refer to the same chemical compound. 'Thiosulphate' is the British English spelling, while 'thiosulfate' is the American English spelling.
It is widely used in photography as a fixing agent, in analytical chemistry for iodometric titrations, and in water treatment to dechlorinate water.
Generally, it is considered low toxicity, but like many chemicals, it should be handled with care according to safety data sheets.
It is highly unlikely to occur in everyday conversation unless discussing specific technical processes like photography or chemistry.
A salt or ester of thiosulphuric acid, containing the anion S₂O₃²⁻.
Thiosulphate is usually technical/scientific in register.
Thiosulphate: in British English it is pronounced /ˌθaɪəʊˈsʌlfeɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌθaɪoʊˈsʌlfeɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'THIO' (sulfur) + 'SULPHATE' (a salt) = a sulfur-containing sulphate compound.
Conceptual Metaphor
None.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary industrial use of sodium thiosulphate?