organophosphate

[ awr-guh-noh-fos-feyt, awr-gan-uh‑ ]

noun

1. Biochemistry. any of a variety of organic compounds that contain phosphorus and often have intense neurotoxic activity: originally developed as nerve gases, now widely used as insecticides and fire retardants.

organophosphate

/ ɔːˌɡænəʊˈfɒsfeɪt /

noun

1. any of a group of organic compounds containing phosphate groups and used as a pesticide

Word History and Origins

Origin of organophosphate¹

First recorded in 1945–50; organo- + phosphate

Example Sentences

The researchers can swap in sensors for other pathogens, including influenza, Ebola, and Zika, or sensors they have developed to detect organophosphate nerve agents.

From MIT Technology Review