microcosmic salt

noun

: a white crystalline salt NaNH4HPO4.4H2O that is obtained by mixing solutions of sodium phosphate and ammonium phosphate or chloride, that is changed to a sodium phosphate glass on heating, and that is used as a flux like borax in beads for testing for metallic oxides and salts; sodium ammonium hydrogen phosphate

Word History

Etymology

translation of New Latin sal microcosmicus; from the fact that it was originally obtained from human urine

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Dictionary Entries Near microcosmic salt

Cite this Entry

“Microcosmic salt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/microcosmic%20salt. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

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