sodium phosphate

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. Also called monobasic sodium phosphate.  a white, crystalline, slightly hygroscopic, water-soluble powder, NaH 2 PO 4 , used chiefly in dyeing and in electroplating.

2. Also called dibasic sodium phosphate,.  Also called disodium phosphate.  a water-soluble compound that in its anhydrous form, Na 2 HPO 4 , occurring as a white, crystalline, hygroscopic powder, is used chiefly in the manufacture of ceramic glazes, enamels, baking powder, and cheeses, and that in its hydrated form, Na 2 HPO 4 ⋅xH 2 O, occurring as clear colorless crystals, is used chiefly in the manufacture of dyes, fertilizers, detergents, and pharmaceuticals.

3. Also called TSP.  Also called trisodium phosphate.  Also called tribasic sodium phosphate,.  a colorless water-soluble compound, Na 3 PO 4 ⋅12H 2 O, occurring as crystals: used chiefly in the manufacture of water-softening agents, detergents, paper, and textiles.

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sodium phosphate British  

noun

1. any sodium salt of any phosphoric acid, esp one of three salts of orthophosphoric acid having formulas NaH 2 PO 4 ( monosodium dihydrogen orthophosphate ), Na 2 HPO 4 ( disodium monohydrogen orthophosphate ), and Na 3 PO 4 ( trisodium orthophosphate )

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Etymology

Origin of sodium phosphate

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

In a statement to USA Today, Costco explained that it uses carrageenan and sodium phosphate “to support moisture retention, texture, and product consistency during cooking,” adding that both ingredients are “approved by food safety authorities.”

From Salon • Feb. 26, 2026

Studies have linked excessive sodium phosphate intake to kidney strain and cardiovascular risks, and carrageenan to digestive inflammation and gut irritation.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 28, 2026

The newest pills should not be confused with earlier tablets, made mostly of sodium phosphate, which the FDA found in 2006 caused serious kidney damage in some patients.

From Washington Post • Jul. 31, 2022

Attorney Clark Brewster said in a statement Monday night that rules in Kentucky and other jurisdictions restrict only betamethasone acetate or sodium phosphate, which are injected into a horse’s intra-articular joint.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 14, 2022

Weigh out salt, 5 grammes, and sodium phosphate, 3 grammes, and dissolve in the mixture in the flask.

From The Elements of Bacteriological Technique A Laboratory Guide for Medical, Dental, and Technical Students. Second Edition Rewritten and Enlarged. by Eyre, J. W. H. (John William Henry)