sodium phosphate

noun

, Chemistry.

1. Also called monobasic sodium phosphate. a white, crystalline, slightly hygroscopic, water-soluble powder, NaH 2 PO 4 , used chiefly in dyeing and in electroplating.
2. Also called dibasic sodium phosphate, a water-soluble compound that in its anhydrous form, Na 2 HPO 4 , occurring as a white, crystalline, hygroscopic powder, is used chiefly in the manufacture of ceramic glazes, enamels, baking powder, and cheeses, and that in its hydrated form, Na 2 HPO 4 ⋅xH 2 O, occurring as clear colorless crystals, is used chiefly in the manufacture of dyes, fertilizers, detergents, and pharmaceuticals.
3. Also called tribasic sodium phosphate, a colorless water-soluble compound, Na 3 PO 4 ⋅12H 2 O, occurring as crystals: used chiefly in the manufacture of water-softening agents, detergents, paper, and textiles.

sodium phosphate

noun

1. any sodium salt of any phosphoric acid, esp one of three salts of orthophosphoric acid having formulas NaH 2 PO 4 ( monosodium dihydrogen orthophosphate ), Na 2 HPO 4 ( disodium monohydrogen orthophosphate ), and Na 3 PO 4 ( trisodium orthophosphate )

Word History and Origins

Origin of sodium phosphate¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

The newest pills should not be confused with earlier tablets, made mostly of sodium phosphate, which the FDA found in 2006 caused serious kidney damage in some patients.

From Washington Post

Attorney Clark Brewster said in a statement Monday night that rules in Kentucky and other jurisdictions restrict only betamethasone acetate or sodium phosphate, which are injected into a horse’s intra-articular joint.

From Seattle Times

On Friday, pallets were stacked high with packing materials and high-grade sodium phosphate inside the chicken processing plant, but the chicken lines were not running.

From New York Times

The additives removed include federally-approved artificial colors, sodium benzoate, sodium nitrite and sodium phosphate, the company said.

From Reuters

That change removed sodium phosphates, which McDonald's said was to keep chicken moist, in favor of vegetable starch.

From US News