phosphoric acid

noun

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

This is because jarred garlic is often pasteurized (heated to kill unwanted microorganisms) and it’s typically made with additives like citric acid and phosphoric acid. —Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 6 Oct. 2023

Municipal American water treatment often involves chlorine, ammonia, fluoride, and phosphoric acid, with the latter acting as a defense against other contaminants like bacteria. —Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 19 Aug. 2023

Every ton of phosphoric acid produced for fertilizer creates more than five tons of waste, a substance known as phosphogypsum. —Eric Tegethoff, The New Republic, 18 July 2023

The phosphate ore mined to produce phosphoric acid contains uranium and radium; those radioactive components are concentrated during the manufacturing process. —Eric Tegethoff, The New Republic, 18 July 2023

The jelly rust remover works with a phosphoric acid base, breaking down even old rust in ferrous metals such as iron and steel. —Adria Greenhauff, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Mar. 2023

Eric Byer, the chief executive of the National Association of Chemical Distributors, said American companies were having trouble getting chlorine to clean swimming pools, citric acid to make soft drinks and phosphoric acid to add to fertilizer through American ports. —New York Times, 21 Mar. 2022

When applying a tooth gem, technicians prepare the tooth by etching; a phosphoric acid opens up the small pores in the outer surface of the enamel. —Chloe Shaar, BostonGlobe.com, 17 Mar. 2023

It is formulated from a combination of phosphoric acid and a combination of proprietary ingredients to create a solution that grips onto metal, steel, and iron to quickly break down and remove rust. —Adria Greenhauff, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Mar. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

phosphoric acid

noun

phos·​phor·​ic acid

fäs-ˌfȯr-ik-,

-ˌfär-

: any of several oxygen-containing acids of phosphorus

Medical Definition

phosphoric acid

noun

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