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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
Recent Examples on the Web
Electronic grade phosphoric acid is used as an etching agent in semiconductor manufacturing.
—
Claire Osborn, Austin American-Statesman, 29 July 2024
This is because jarred garlic is often pasteurized (heated to kill unwanted microorganisms) and it’s typically made with additives like citric acid and phosphoric acid.
—
Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 6 Oct. 2023
Municipal American water treatment often involves chlorine, ammonia, fluoride, and phosphoric acid, with the latter acting as a defense against other contaminants like bacteria.
—
Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 19 Aug. 2023
Every ton of phosphoric acid produced for fertilizer creates more than five tons of waste, a substance known as phosphogypsum.
—
Eric Tegethoff, The New Republic, 18 July 2023
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Word History
First Known Use
1765, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near phosphoric acid
Cite this Entry
“Phosphoric acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phosphoric%20acid. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.
Kids Definition
phosphoric acid
noun
phos·phor·ic acid
fäs-ˌfȯr-ik-,
-ˌfär-
: any of several oxygen-containing acids of phosphorus
Medical Definition
phosphoric acid
noun1
: 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 (as pyrophosphoric acid or metaphosphoric acid) consisting of phosphate groups linked directly to each other by oxygen
More from Merriam-Webster on phosphoric acid
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about phosphoric acid
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