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calcium phosphate

American  

noun

  1. any of several phosphates of calcium occurring naturally in some rocks and in animal bones, used as a fertilizer and food additive as well as in baking powder and dentifrices.


calcium phosphate British  

noun

  1. the insoluble nonacid calcium salt of orthophosphoric acid (phosphoric(V) acid): it occurs in bones and is the main constituent of bone ash. Formula: Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2

  2. any calcium salt of a phosphoric acid. Calcium phosphates are found in many rocks and used esp in fertilizers

"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

calcium phosphate Scientific  
  1. Any of three powdery phosphates of calcium:

  2. A colorless powder used in baking powders, as a plant food, as a plastic stabilizer, and in glass. Calcium phosphate is deliquescent, and will dissolve in the water it absorbs from the atmosphere if it is not kept in a closed container. Chemical formula: Ca(H 2 PO 4 ) 2 .

  3. A white crystalline powder used as an animal food, as a plastic stabilizer, and in glass and toothpaste. Chemical formula: CaHPO 4 .

  4. A white powder that is used in ceramics, rubber, fertilizers, and for various purposes in the food industry. Chemical formula: Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 .


Etymology

Origin of calcium phosphate

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Last week, the FDA approved three natural color additives — calcium phosphate, Galdieria extract blue and butterfly pea flower extract — to replace them.

From Los Angeles Times

The FDA is instead encouraging the use of so-called natural food dyes such as gardenia blue and calcium phosphate.

From Los Angeles Times

Moreover, Ctdnep1 knockdown also led to increased absorption of calcium phosphate, suggestive of the suppressive role of Ctdnep1 in bone resorption.

From Science Daily

"The skin of the frogs is replicated in the mineral calcium phosphate, which helped it survive for millions of years."

From Science Daily

In most lakes the dissolved phosphate quickly combines with calcium to form calcium phosphate, the insoluble material that makes up our tooth enamel.

From Science Daily