phosphoric acid

noun

Definition of phosphoric acid

1 : a syrupy or deliquescent tribasic acid H₃PO₄ used especially in preparing phosphates (as for fertilizers), in rust-proofing metals, and especially formerly as a flavoring in soft drinks

— called also orthophosphoric acid

2 : a compound (such as pyrophosphoric acid or metaphosphoric acid) consisting of phosphate groups linked directly to each other by oxygen

Examples of phosphoric acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web On average, more than 5 tons of phosphogypsum waste are produced for every ton of phosphoric acid created for fertilizer. — Larry Brand, The Conversation, "Water being pumped into Tampa Bay could cause a massive algae bloom, putting fragile manatee and fish habitats at risk," 8 Apr. 2021 If the pH level is too high, add two to three drops of phosphoric acid to the water to lower it. — Angela Watson, chicagotribune.com, "How to start a hydroponic garden," 26 Mar. 2021 Phosphogypsum is the waste left behind when phosphate rock is crushed and treated to create phosphoric acid for the manufacture of fertilizers and other products. — Mark Schleifstein, NOLA.com, "Groups challenge EPA rule allowing roads built with gypsum waste, prevalent in Louisiana," 18 Dec. 2020 Past proposals have called for 3D-printing with Sorel cement, which requires significant amounts of chemicals and water (consumables), and a rocklike material that would require both water and phosphoric acid as a liquid binder. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, "Chitin could be used to build tools and habitats on Mars, study finds," 22 Sep. 2020 Some sodas, in particular colas, also add phosphoric acid or citric acid for flavor and to act as a preservative as well as caffeine. — Rahel Mathews, The Conversation, "Is seltzer water healthy?," 7 May 2020 Past proposals have called for 3D printing with Sorel cement, which requires significant amounts of chemicals and water (consumables), and a rocklike material that would require both water and phosphoric acid as a liquid binder. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, "Study: Future astronauts could use their own urine to help build moon bases," 31 Mar. 2020 Phosphogypsum is a waste by-product of phosphoric acid production. — Jill Kiedaisch, Popular Mechanics, "We've Found a New Source for Rare-Earth Elements We Need for Green Tech," 7 Mar. 2019 And each contains no sugar, calories, sodium, artificial ingredients, GMOs, phosphoric acid, gluten, or animal products. — Rachel Sugar, Vox, "The company’s “natural flavors” have been an ongoing mystery.," 8 Oct. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'phosphoric acid.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

15 Apr 2021

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“Phosphoric acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phosphoric%20acid. Accessed 23 Apr. 2021.

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More Definitions for phosphoric acid

phosphoric acid

noun

Medical Definition of phosphoric acid

1 : a syrupy or deliquescent tribasic acid H₃PO₄ used especially in preparing phosphates (as for fertilizers), in rust-proofing metals, and especially formerly as a flavoring in soft drinks

— called also orthophosphoric acid

2 : a compound (as pyrophosphoric acid or metaphosphoric acid) consisting of phosphate groups linked directly to each other by oxygen

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