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
See all Example Sentences for phosphoric acid 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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
See all Example Sentences for phosphoric acid
Dictionary Entries Near phosphoric acid
Cite this Entry
“Phosphoric acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phosphoric%20acid. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share