organophosphorus

adjective

or·​gan·​o·​phos·​pho·​rus ˌȯr-gə-nō-ˈfäs-f(ə-)rəs How to pronounce organophosphorus (audio)
ȯr-ˌga-nō-
variants or less commonly organophosphorous
: of, relating to, or being a phosphorus-containing organic compound and especially a pesticide (such as malathion) that acts by inhibiting cholinesterase
organophosphorus noun

Examples of organophosphorus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Sergei Skripal was poisoned with one of a class of nerve agents known as Novichok agents and chemically described as organophosphorus compounds. Vera Thoss, Washington Post, 24 Mar. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of organophosphorus was in 1950

Dictionary Entries Near organophosphorus

Cite this Entry

“Organophosphorus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/organophosphorus. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

organophosphorus

adjective
or·​gan·​o·​phos·​pho·​rus -ˈfäs-f(ə-)rəs How to pronounce organophosphorus (audio)
variants also organophosphorous
: of, relating to, or being a phosphorus-containing organic pesticide (as malathion) that acts by inhibiting cholinesterase
organophosphorus noun
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