organophosphate

American

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

noun

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 British

/ ɔːˌɡænəʊˈfɒsfeɪt /

noun

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

"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

Etymology

Origin of organophosphate

First recorded in 1945–50; organo- + phosphate

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.

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

And many electronics and furniture include organophosphate flame retardants.

From Science Daily • Mar. 25, 2024

Bt pest control also brought environmental benefits, reducing the use of organophosphate insecticides and other toxic chemicals.

From Science Magazine • Nov. 16, 2023

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023