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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
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
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Word History
First Known Use
1765, in the meaning defined at sense 1
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
noun1
: 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
More from Merriam-Webster on phosphoric acid
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about phosphoric acid
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