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phosphoric

American

[fos-fawr-ik, -for-] / fɒsˈfɔr ɪk, -ˈfɒr- /

adjective

Chemistry.

of or containing phosphorus, especially in the pentavalent state.

phosphoric British

/ fɒsˈfɒrɪk /

adjective

of or containing phosphorus in the pentavalent state

"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 phosphoric

First recorded in 1775–85; phosphor- + -ic

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This research helps explain the molecular basis of phosphoric acid's remarkable proton conductivity, often described as "Nature's proton highway."

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

“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.”

From Washington Times • 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

In the brief phosphoric flashes her taut wrists were white with exertion.

From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023