organophosphate

American  

[awr-guh-noh-fos-feyt, awr-gan-uh‑] / ˌɔr gə noʊˈfɒs feɪt, ɔrˌgæn ə‑ /

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.

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organophosphate British  

/ ɔːˌɡænəʊˈfɒsfeɪt /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of organophosphate

First recorded in 1945–50; organo- + phosphate

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

organophosphate

Another, an organophosphate called tributyl phosphate, was right at the limit, according to a Navy toxicologist’s review of the findings.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 14, 2025

A small fraction of conventional watermelon and green bean samples — 3% and 4%, respectively — tested positive for an especially concerning carbamate or organophosphate pesticide.

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 29, 2024

The EPA effectively banned another organophosphate pesticide, chlorpyrifos, in 2021, based in part on evidence linking it to ADHD, autism and reduced IQ in children.

From Salon ● Apr. 25, 2024

In the largest study of its kind, researchers at UC Davis Health found that exposure to organophosphate ester flame retardants during pregnancy was associated with preterm birth, especially among females.

From Science Daily ● Jan. 24, 2024

Some require as little as 6 grams per hectare, compared with several kilograms of the older organophosphate and carbonate pesticides.

From Science Magazine ● Apr. 1, 2021