phosphoric acid

Meanings

1. 1noununcountablechemistry

   A colorless, thick, water-soluble acid made of hydrogen, phosphorus and oxygen, widely used in fertilizer, cleaners and food production.

   Grammar: Used without a: phosphoric acid is added to many drinks.

   Patterns

   • phosphoric acid in something
   • a solution of phosphoric acid

   Phosphoric acid is the main ingredient in some rust removers.

   Many fertilizers are made by treating rock with phosphoric acid.

   The label lists phosphoric acid as an additive that gives the soda a sharp taste.

2. 2noununcountabletechnical

   A solution of this acid used as a food additive to add tartness and slow spoilage.

   Grammar: On ingredient lists it often appears as E338 in Europe.

   Patterns

   • phosphoric acid in something

   Dentists warn that phosphoric acid in soft drinks can wear down enamel.

   The cola gets part of its tang from phosphoric acid.

Common combinations

concentrated phosphoric acid

Concentrated phosphoric acid can burn skin on contact.

phosphoric acid fertilizer

The farm switched to a phosphoric acid fertilizer.

phosphoric acid in soda

Phosphoric acid in soda gives it a mild bite.

dilute phosphoric acid

She cleaned the metal with dilute phosphoric acid.

phosphoric acid etching

Dentists use phosphoric acid etching to prepare a tooth for a filling.

Synonyms and how they differ

orthophosphoric acid

Orthophosphoric acid is the full chemical name and is used when scientists need to be exact.

phosphate

A phosphate is a salt or ester made from the acid, not the acid itself.

Word family

phosphate noun

a salt or compound of the acid

phosphorus noun

the element found in the acid

phosphorous adjective

containing phosphorus in a lower valence state

phosphorylate verb

to add a phosphate group to a molecule

Commonly confused: phosphoric acid or phosphorous acid?

Practice

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