orthophosphoric acid

American

[awr-thoh-fos-fawr-ik, -for-, awr-] / ˈɔr θoʊ fɒsˈfɔr ɪk, -ˈfɒr-, ˌɔr- /

noun

Chemistry.

a colorless, crystalline solid, H 3 PO 4 , the tribasic acid of pentavalent phosphorus: used chiefly in fertilizers, as a source of phosphorus salts, and in soft drinks as an acidulant and flavoring agent.

orthophosphoric acid British

/ ˌɔːθəʊfɒsˈfɒrɪk /

noun

Also called: phosphoric acid. a colourless soluble solid tribasic acid used in the manufacture of fertilizers and soaps. Formula: H 3 PO 4

"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 orthophosphoric acid

First recorded in 1870–75; ortho- + phosphoric acid

Example Sentences

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Write the equations for the preparation of the three sodium salts of orthophosphoric acid.

From Project Gutenberg

These facts may be illustrated with the aid of orthophosphoric acid, which is tribasic:— Acid.

From Project Gutenberg

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