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

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

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

He had begun to suspect organophosphates - a group of chemicals including nerve agents such as Novichok - by Monday evening, after remembering what he had learned while "studying for lots of exams".

Read more on BBC

Mr Darch told the inquiry that poisoning from organophosphates, a toxic chemical compound, can come from several sources including pesticides, fertiliser, and flammable retardants.

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For example, organophosphates and carbamates, two similar classes of insecticides that have been used for decades, interfere with the nervous system.

Read more on Seattle Times

Acephate and malathion belong to a class of chemicals called organophosphates, which U.S. farmers have used for decades because they efficiently kill aphids, fire ants and other pests.

Read more on Salon