sulfite

noun

sul·​fite ˈsəl-ˌfīt How to pronounce sulfite (audio)
: a salt or ester of sulfurous acid
sulfitic adjective

Examples of sulfite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First, the researchers boil samples of wood in a watery mixture of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfite, which works to partially remove lignin and hemicellulose from the material. Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 22 May 2025 Several Texas Pete hot sauces were recalled because of undeclared sulfites, which can harm people with allergies or food sensitivities. Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 7 Apr. 2025 People who consume the recalled product who have a sensitivity or allergy to sulfites may experiences serious to life-threatening reactions, the FDA warns. Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025 Upon review of the two labels, it was determined that the Habanero Buffalo Sauce may contain undeclared sulfites, since the Sriracha Sauce contains sodium bisulfite as a preservative. Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sulfite

Word History

Etymology

French sulfite, alteration of sulfate

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sulfite was in 1788

Cite this Entry

“Sulfite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sulfite. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

Medical Definition

sulfite

noun
sul·​fite
variants or chiefly British sulphite
: a salt or ester of sulfurous acid

More from Merriam-Webster on sulfite

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