orthophosphoric acid
[ awr-thoh-fos-fawr-ik, -for-, awr- ]
nounChemistry.
a colorless, crystalline solid, H3PO4, the tribasic acid of pentavalent phosphorus: used chiefly in fertilizers, as a source of phosphorus salts, and in soft drinks as an acidulant and flavoring agent.
Origin of orthophosphoric acid
1First recorded in 1870–75; ortho- + phosphoric acid
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British Dictionary definitions for orthophosphoric acid
orthophosphoric acid
/ (ˌɔːθəʊfɒsˈfɒrɪk) /
noun
a colourless soluble solid tribasic acid used in the manufacture of fertilizers and soaps. Formula: H 3 PO 4: Also called: phosphoric acid
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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