phosphoric acid

noun

, Chemistry.

1. any of three acids, orthophosphoric acid, H 3 PO 4 , metaphosphoric acid, HPO 3 , or pyrophosphoric acid, H 4 P 2 O 7 , derived from phosphorus pentoxide, P 2 O 5 , and various amounts of water.

phosphoric acid

noun

1. Also calledorthophosphoric acid a colourless solid tribasic acid used in the manufacture of fertilizers and soap. Formula: H 3 PO 4 Systematic namephosphoric(V) acid
2. any oxyacid of phosphorus produced by reaction between phosphorus pentoxide and water See also metaphosphoric acid pyrophosphoric acid hypophosphoric acid

phosphoric acid

/ fŏs-fôr′ĭk /

1. A clear liquid, or a solid that forms colorless, rhombus-shaped crystals, that is used in fertilizers, detergents, food flavoring, and pharmaceuticals. Chemical formula: H 3 PO 4 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of phosphoric acid¹

First recorded in 1785–95

Example Sentences

All of them are particularly rich in potash, and contain but a small proportion of phosphoric acid.

From Project Gutenberg

From the amount of phosphorus found there appears to be about one dose of phosphoric acid to a twenty-ounce bottle.

From Project Gutenberg

The calcium in its various deposits in the body is already combined with phosphoric acid.

From Project Gutenberg

A good formula is one part nitrate of soda, two parts of muriate of potash, two parts of high grade phosphoric acid.

From Project Gutenberg

In burning it unites with the dephlogisticated air of the atmosphere, and in this manner the purest phosphoric acid is produced.

From Project Gutenberg