— sulfitic /sul fit"ik/ , adj.
/sul"fuyt/ , n. Chem.
1. a salt or ester of sulfurous acid.
2. any sulfite-containing compound, esp. one that is used in foods or drug products as a preservative and that can cause severe allergic reactions in susceptible individuals: use in fresh fruits and vegetables banned by the FDA in 1986.
[ 1780-90; SULF(UR) + -ITE 1 ]