tribasic

[ trahy-bey-sik ]

adjective

, Chemistry.

1. (of an acid) having three atoms of hydrogen replaceable by basic atoms or groups.
2. containing three atoms or groups, each having a valence of one, as tribasic sodium phosphate, Na 3 PO 4 .

tribasic

/ traɪˈbeɪsɪk /

adjective

1. (of an acid) containing three replaceable hydrogen atoms in the molecule
2. (of a molecule) containing three monovalent basic atoms or groups in the molecule

Other Words From

• tri·ba·sic·i·ty [trahy-bey-, sis, -i-tee], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of tribasic¹

First recorded in 1830–40; tri- + basic

Example Sentences

Being a tribasic acid, it forms acid as well as normal salts.

From Project Gutenberg

Contrary to what we might expect, this phosphate is less insoluble than the ordinary tribasic or bone phosphate.

From Project Gutenberg

Morphine itself is a tribasic meconate, and narcotin, of course, another opium derivative.

From Project Gutenberg

Tribasic sodium phosphate alone without the addition of the carbonate will also give good results.

From Project Gutenberg

This salt, which is tribasic, is also formed when1058 the preceding crystallised salts are put into hot water.

From Project Gutenberg