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

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His electric furnaces captured a pure form of phosphoric acid, which was sold to make fertilizer, detergent, baking soda and even soda pop. — Rebecca Altman, The Atlantic, "How the Benzene Tree Polluted the World," 4 Oct. 2017 In each can of Diet Coke, there is the equivalent of 5 to 6 packets of aspartame (185 mg), 45 mg of acesulfame, and 60 mg of phosphoric acid. — David Becker, Philly.com, "This cardiologist wants his family to cut back on diet soda. Should yours, too?," 12 Sep. 2017

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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The first known use of phosphoric acid was in 1765

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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