orthophosphate

noun

or·​tho·​phos·​phate ˌȯr-thə-ˈfäs-ˌfāt How to pronounce orthophosphate (audio)
: a salt or ester of orthophosphoric acid

Examples of orthophosphate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Fluoride, chlorine and orthophosphate are added to the water just prior to leaving the treatment plants. Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 19 Feb. 2024 Lead levels in drinking water have declined significantly with the service line replacements and with the addition of orthophosphate, a food-grade additive that can protect pipes from corrosion, to the water. Jen Christensen, CNN, 20 Feb. 2024 An April 5 water sample detected 2.1 milligrams per liter of orthophosphate, a form of phosphorus. Li Cohen, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2021 Since detecting elevated lead levels, Aqua has used a chemical treatment, orthophosphate, which is a common corrosion inhibitor added to a municipality’s water supply to coat the inside of water pipes and prevent lead from leaching into water that comes out of the taps. Mike Nolan, chicagotribune.com, 19 July 2021 The Water Department continually treats city water with a chemical called orthophosphate that creates a film on the inside of pipes and plumbing and forms a hard barrier that prevents lead from leaching into the water. Peter Krouse, cleveland, 9 Dec. 2021 The next month, the state issued a permit for the city to pump orthophosphate and polyphosphate into the water to coat the pipes and prevent erosion. John Flesher and David Eggert, Detroit Free Press, 8 Nov. 2021 To improve the applications of chlorine for disinfection and orthophosphate for corrosion control. Keith Matheny, Detroit Free Press, 2 Nov. 2021 The federal government outlawed lead in pipe construction in the 1980s, and additives like orthophosphate prevent it from corroding into the water. Jonathan Schifman, Popular Mechanics, 8 Aug. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of orthophosphate was in 1859

Dictionary Entries Near orthophosphate

Cite this Entry

“Orthophosphate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orthophosphate. Accessed 20 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

orthophosphate

noun
or·​tho·​phos·​phate ˌȯr-thə-ˈfäs-ˌfāt How to pronounce orthophosphate (audio)
: a salt or ester of orthophosphoric acid
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