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

The rebels are reported to have threatened to attack the tanker, which was carrying phosphoric acid, if it did not divert to a Yemeni port.

From BBC

The tanker, which had been carrying a cargo of phosphoric acid, was identified as the Central Park by the vessel's company.

From Reuters

“The Turkish-captained vessel has a multinational crew consisting of a crew of Russian, Vietnamese, Bulgarian, Indian, Georgian, and Filipino nationals. The vessel is carrying a full cargo of phosphoric acid.”

From Washington Times

“The Turkish-captained vessel has a multinational crew consisting of a crew of Russian, Vietnamese, Bulgarian, Indian, Georgian and Filipino nationals. The vessel is carrying a full cargo of phosphoric acid.”

From Seattle Times

But gypsum stacks and wastewater from phosphoric acid production are exempt from the EPA's hazardous waste standards, which establish base federal criteria for managing waste from "cradle to grave."

From Salon