phosphorous acid

noun

: a deliquescent crystalline acid H3PO3 used especially as a reducing agent and in making phosphites

Examples of phosphorous acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Sodium hydroxide and phosphorous acid are used to remove gums and other undesirable compounds in oil, according to Dansby. Sudiksha Kochi, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of phosphorous acid was in 1788

Dictionary Entries Near phosphorous acid

Cite this Entry

“Phosphorous acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phosphorous%20acid. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

phosphorous acid

noun
: a deliquescent crystalline acid H3PO3 used especially as a reducing agent and in making phosphites

More from Merriam-Webster on phosphorous acid

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!