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

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

About 20% of conventional blueberries had residues of an organophosphate that the EPA considers of particular risk to children.

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

"Policy options to reduce exposure to organophosphate ester flame retardants should be considered."

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