phosphoric acid

noun

1
: a syrupy or deliquescent tribasic acid H3PO4 used especially in preparing phosphates (as for fertilizers), in rust-proofing metals, and especially formerly as a flavoring in soft drinks

called also orthophosphoric acid

2
: a compound (such as pyrophosphoric acid or metaphosphoric acid) consisting of phosphate groups linked directly to each other by oxygen

Examples of phosphoric acid 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.
This is because jarred garlic is often pasteurized (heated to kill unwanted microorganisms) and it’s typically made with additives like citric acid and phosphoric acid. Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 6 Oct. 2023 Municipal American water treatment often involves chlorine, ammonia, fluoride, and phosphoric acid, with the latter acting as a defense against other contaminants like bacteria. Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 19 Aug. 2023 Every ton of phosphoric acid produced for fertilizer creates more than five tons of waste, a substance known as phosphogypsum. Eric Tegethoff, The New Republic, 18 July 2023 The phosphate ore mined to produce phosphoric acid contains uranium and radium; those radioactive components are concentrated during the manufacturing process. Eric Tegethoff, The New Republic, 18 July 2023 See all Example Sentences for phosphoric acid 

Word History

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of phosphoric acid was in 1765

Dictionary Entries Near phosphoric acid

Cite this Entry

“Phosphoric acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phosphoric%20acid. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

phosphoric acid

noun
phos·​phor·​ic acid
fäs-ˌfȯr-ik-,
-ˌfär-
: any of several oxygen-containing acids of phosphorus

Medical Definition

phosphoric acid

noun
1
: a syrupy or deliquescent tribasic acid H3PO4 used especially in preparing phosphates (as for fertilizers), in rust-proofing metals, and especially formerly as a flavoring in soft drinks

called also orthophosphoric acid

2
: a compound (as pyrophosphoric acid or metaphosphoric acid) consisting of phosphate groups linked directly to each other by oxygen

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