Bisulfite is a chemical compound that is widely used in various industries. It is also an important component in many scientific experiments and research studies. In this article, we will explore the definition, meaning, origin, and associations of bisulfite.
Definitions
Bisulfite is a chemical compound with the formula HSO3-. It is an anion that is formed by the reaction of sulfur dioxide with water. Bisulfite is also known as hydrogen sulfite or sulfurous acid.
Origin
The term bisulfite is derived from the Latin word “bis” which means “twice” and the word “sulfite” which refers to a salt or ester of sulfurous acid. The compound was first discovered in the mid-19th century by chemists who were studying the properties of sulfur dioxide.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, bisulfite is defined as “a salt or ester of sulfurous acid containing the ion HSO3-“. The Oxford English Dictionary defines bisulfite as “a compound containing the anion HSO3-“.
Associations
Bisulfite is commonly used in the food industry as a preservative and antioxidant. It is also used in the textile industry as a bleaching agent and in the paper industry as a sulfonating agent. Bisulfite is also an important component in many scientific experiments and research studies, particularly in the field of DNA sequencing.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of bisulfite include hydrogen sulfite, sulfurous acid, and sulfite.
Antonyms
There are no specific antonyms of bisulfite, as it is a chemical compound rather than a concept or idea.
The same root words
The root words of bisulfite are “bi-“, which means “two”, and “sulfite”, which refers to a salt or ester of sulfurous acid.
Example Sentences
- The food industry uses bisulfite as a preservative to extend the shelf life of products.
- Bisulfite is an important component in DNA sequencing, allowing researchers to analyze the chemical structure of DNA.
- The textile industry uses bisulfite as a bleaching agent to whiten fabrics.
- Sulfurous acid is a weak acid that is formed when bisulfite is dissolved in water.
- Bisulfite can be used to remove chlorine from water in swimming pools.