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

Tribasic, trī-bā′sik, adj. having three hydrogen atoms replaceable by equivalents of a base—of some acids.

From Project Gutenberg

The solution of arsenious oxide in water reacts acid towards litmus and contains tribasic arsenious acid, although on evaporation of the solution the trioxide is obtained and not the free acid.

From Project Gutenberg

An acid has been defined as a compound of hydrogen, the whole or a part of which is replaceable by a metal when this is presented in the form of a hydroxide; being monobasic, dibasic, or tribasic, according to the number of replaceable hydrogen atoms in a molecule.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Calcium phosphate is always prone to coagulate; it has been called the gelatinous phosphate of lime, and we have already seen how readily tribasic calcium phosphate takes the form of beautiful transparent colloidal membranes which are gelatinous in texture.

From Project Gutenberg