orthophosphoric acid

[ awr-thoh-fos-fawr-ik, -for-, awr- ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a colorless, crystalline solid, H 3 PO 4 , the tribasic acid of pentavalent phosphorus: used chiefly in fertilizers, as a source of phosphorus salts, and in soft drinks as an acidulant and flavoring agent.

orthophosphoric acid

/ ˌɔːθəʊfɒsˈfɒrɪk /

noun

1. a colourless soluble solid tribasic acid used in the manufacture of fertilizers and soaps. Formula: H 3 PO 4 Also calledphosphoric acid

Word History and Origins

Origin of orthophosphoric acid¹

First recorded in 1870–75; ortho- + phosphoric acid

Example Sentences

Write the equations for the preparation of the three sodium salts of orthophosphoric acid.

From Project Gutenberg

These facts may be illustrated with the aid of orthophosphoric acid, which is tribasic:— Acid.

From Project Gutenberg