orthophosphate

noun

or·​tho·​phos·​phate ˌȯr-thə-ˈfäs-ˌfāt 

: a salt or ester of orthophosphoric acid

Examples of orthophosphate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The chemical, called dipotassium orthophosphate, is tasteless, odorless and safe for consumption, according to Aurora Superintendent of Water Production Bob Leible. — R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2026

Since 1996, the city has treated its water with orthophosphate. — Joey Schamber, jsonline.com, 6 May 2026

To study how the orthophosphate would work in the distribution system, experiments were run using lead service lines that were actually removed from houses in Aurora, Leible said. — R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026

Lead levels in drinking water have declined significantly with the service line replacements and with the addition of orthophosphate, a food-grade additive that can protect pipes from corrosion, to the water. — Jen Christensen, CNN, 20 Feb. 2024

Fluoride, chlorine and orthophosphate are added to the water just prior to leaving the treatment plants. — Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 19 Feb. 2024

The Water Department continually treats city water with a chemical called orthophosphate that creates a film on the inside of pipes and plumbing and forms a hard barrier that prevents lead from leaching into the water. — Peter Krouse, cleveland, 9 Dec. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for orthophosphate

• metaphosphate
• monophosphate
• polyphosphate
• pyrophosphate
• superphosphate
• bisphosphate
• diphosphate
• triphosphate
• glycerophosphate
• organophosphate
• phosphate

Medical Definition

orthophosphate

noun

or·​tho·​phos·​phate ˌȯr-thə-ˈfäs-ˌfāt 

: a salt or ester of orthophosphoric acid