microcosmic salt

noun

: a white crystalline salt NaNH₄HPO₄.4H₂O that is obtained by mixing solutions of sodium phosphate and ammonium phosphate or chloride, that is changed to a sodium phosphate glass on heating, and that is used as a flux like borax in beads for testing for metallic oxides and salts; sodium ammonium hydrogen phosphate

Word History

Etymology

translation of New Latin sal microcosmicus; from the fact that it was originally obtained from human urine

Cite this Entry

Style

“Microcosmic salt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/microcosmic%20salt. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Copy Citation