sulfurous acid

noun

: a weak unstable dibasic acid H₂SO₃ known in solution and through its salts and used as a reducing and bleaching agent

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Otherwise, the sulfur dioxide released from the bubbling lava would turn the watery fluid in your eyes’ mucus membranes into sulfurous acid. —

Sofie Bates, Popular Mechanics, 30 June 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sulfurous acid.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1790, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of sulfurous acid was in 1790

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Dictionary Entries Near sulfurous acid

sulfurous

sulfurous acid

sulfurous anhydride

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Sulfurous acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sulfurous%20acid. Accessed 21 Mar. 2023.

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Kids Definition

sulfurous acid

noun

: a weak acid known especially in mixtures of sulfur dioxide with water and through its salts and used in bleaching

Medical Definition

sulfurous acid

noun

: a weak unstable dibasic acid H₂SO₃ known in solution and through its salts and used as a reducing and bleaching agent and in medicine as an antiseptic