phosphoric acid
noun
1
: a syrupy or deliquescent tribasic acid H3PO4 used especially in preparing phosphates (as for fertilizers), in rust-proofing metals, and especially formerly as a flavoring in soft drinks
called also orthophosphoric acid
2
: a compound (such as pyrophosphoric acid or metaphosphoric acid) consisting of phosphate groups linked directly to each other by oxygen
Examples of phosphoric acid in a Sentence
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While American Coke and Mexican Coke both contain carbonated water, caramel color, phosphoric acid, natural flavors and caffeine, Mexican Coke is sweetened with cane sugar, also known as sucrose, instead of HFCS.
—
Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 18 July 2025
The primary ingredients include carbonated water, high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) as the sweetener, caramel color for its deep hue, phosphoric acid for tartness, natural flavors derived from a blend of botanical extracts, and caffeine.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025
Byer said inventory is already extremely tight for phosphoric acid, used in detergents and cleaning products, a wide range of drinks (like citric, soda, sports drinks, etc.), and in fertilizer.
—Lori Ann Larocco, CNBC, 12 May 2025
Kidney Disease Some studies have suggested that the artificial sweeteners and high levels of phosphoric acid found in many diet sodas could contribute to kidney damage over time.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 3 Feb. 2025
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Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 18 July 2025
The primary ingredients include carbonated water, high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) as the sweetener, caramel color for its deep hue, phosphoric acid for tartness, natural flavors derived from a blend of botanical extracts, and caffeine.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025
Byer said inventory is already extremely tight for phosphoric acid, used in detergents and cleaning products, a wide range of drinks (like citric, soda, sports drinks, etc.), and in fertilizer.
—Lori Ann Larocco, CNBC, 12 May 2025
Kidney Disease Some studies have suggested that the artificial sweeteners and high levels of phosphoric acid found in many diet sodas could contribute to kidney damage over time.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 3 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for phosphoric acid
Cite this Entry
“Phosphoric acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phosphoric%20acid. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
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