phosphoric acid

noun Chemistry.
any of three acids, orthophosphoric acid, H 3 PO 4 , metaphosphoric acid, HPO 3 , or pyrophosphoric acid, H 4 P 2 O 7 , derived from phosphorus pentoxide, P 2 O 5 , and various amounts of water.

Origin:
1785–95

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Collins
World English Dictionary
phosphoric acid
 
n
1.  Also called: orthophosphoric acid, Systematic name: phosphoric(V) acid a colourless solid tribasic acid used in the manufacture of fertilizers and soap. Formula: H3PO4
2.  metaphosphoric acid pyrophosphoric acid See also hypophosphoric acid any oxyacid of phosphorus produced by reaction between phosphorus pentoxide and water

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Phosphoric_acid is always a great word to know.
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a calculus or concretion found in the stomach or intestines of certain animals, esp. ruminants, formerly reputed to be an effective remedy for poison.
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American Heritage
Medical Dictionary

phosphoric acid phos·phor·ic acid (fŏs-fôr'ĭk)
n.
A clear colorless liquid used in pharmaceuticals. Also called orthophosphoric acid.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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American Heritage
Science Dictionary
phosphoric acid   (fŏs-fôr'ĭk)  Pronunciation Key 
A clear liquid, or a solid that forms colorless, rhombus-shaped crystals, that is used in fertilizers, detergents, food flavoring, and pharmaceuticals. Chemical formula: H3PO4.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia

phosphoric acid

(H3PO4), the most important oxygen acid of phosphorus, used to make phosphate salts for fertilizers. It is also used in dental cements, in the preparation of albumin derivatives, and in the sugar and textile industries. It serves as an acidic, fruitlike flavouring in food products

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Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
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Example sentences
Wet process phosphoric acid is used in fertilizer production.
Aluminum hydroxide and phosphoric acid were the inorganic precursors.
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