phosphoric acid

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

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

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 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of phosphoric acid¹

First recorded in 1785–95

Example Sentences

The rebels are reported to have threatened to attack the tanker, which was carrying phosphoric acid, if it did not divert to a Yemeni port.

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

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“The Turkish-captained vessel has a multinational crew consisting of a crew of Russian, Vietnamese, Bulgarian, Indian, Georgian, and Filipino nationals. The vessel is carrying a full cargo of phosphoric acid.”

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“The Turkish-captained vessel has a multinational crew consisting of a crew of Russian, Vietnamese, Bulgarian, Indian, Georgian and Filipino nationals. The vessel is carrying a full cargo of phosphoric acid.”

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But gypsum stacks and wastewater from phosphoric acid production are exempt from the EPA's hazardous waste standards, which establish base federal criteria for managing waste from "cradle to grave."

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