phosphoric acid

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. any of three acids, orthophosphoric acid, H 3 PO 4 , metaphosphoric acid, HPO 3 , or pyrophosphoric acid, H 4 P 2 O 7 , derived from phosphorus pentoxide, P 2 O 5 , and various amounts of water.

---

phosphoric acid British  

noun

1. Systematic name: phosphoric(V) acid. Also called: orthophosphoric acid. a colourless solid tribasic acid used in the manufacture of fertilizers and soap. Formula: H 3 PO 4

2. any oxyacid of phosphorus produced by reaction between phosphorus pentoxide and water See also metaphosphoric acid pyrophosphoric acid hypophosphoric acid

---

phosphoric acid Scientific  

/ fŏs-fôr′ĭk /

1. A clear liquid, or a solid that forms colorless, rhombus-shaped crystals, that is used in fertilizers, detergents, food flavoring, and pharmaceuticals. Chemical formula: H ₃ PO ₄ .

---

Etymology

Origin of phosphoric acid

First recorded in 1785–95

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

phosphoric acid

It is then converted into sulfuric acid, which reacts with mined phosphate rock to produce phosphoric acid used to make phosphate fertilizers.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 28, 2026

Beyond biology, phosphoric acid is widely used in technologies such as batteries and fuel cells because of its exceptional ability to conduct protons.

From Science Daily ● Apr. 7, 2026

The tanker, which had been carrying a cargo of phosphoric acid, was identified as the Central Park by the vessel's company.

From Reuters ● Nov. 26, 2023

In 2013, it agreed to pay nearly $199,000 and to reduce air emissions from phosphoric acid production, while denying that it had polluted.

From Seattle Times ● Jul. 14, 2022

These 37 kilos of plant food that are annually taken from each hectare may be roughly subdivided as follows: 18 kilos of nitrogen,10 kilos of potash,9 kilos of phosphoric acid.

From Cacao Culture in the Philippines by William S. (Scrugham) Lyon

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---