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
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Dobos notes that products like Sun-In should have phosphoric acid and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), which help stabilize the solution in the package. 
Gabe Bergado, Allure, 11 Aug. 2022 One cure promised immortality through a concoction of phosphoric acid & lime — in other words, soda. Tribune News Service, oregonlive, 2 Mar. 2022 On average, more than 5 tons of phosphogypsum waste are produced for every ton of phosphoric acid created for fertilizer. Larry Brand, The Conversation, 8 Apr. 2021 If the pH level is too high, add two to three drops of phosphoric acid to the water to lower it. Angela Watson, chicagotribune.com, 26 Mar. 2021 Phosphogypsum is the waste left behind when phosphate rock is crushed and treated to create phosphoric acid for the manufacture of fertilizers and other products. Mark Schleifstein, NOLA.com, 18 Dec. 2020 Past proposals have called for 3D-printing with Sorel cement, which requires significant amounts of chemicals and water (consumables), and a rocklike material that would require both water and phosphoric acid as a liquid binder. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 22 Sep. 2020 Some sodas, in particular colas, also add phosphoric acid or citric acid for flavor and to act as a preservative as well as caffeine. Rahel Mathews, The Conversation, 7 May 2020 Past proposals have called for 3D printing with Sorel cement, which requires significant amounts of chemicals and water (consumables), and a rocklike material that would require both water and phosphoric acid as a liquid binder. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 31 Mar. 2020 See More
Gabe Bergado, Allure, 11 Aug. 2022 One cure promised immortality through a concoction of phosphoric acid & lime — in other words, soda. Tribune News Service, oregonlive, 2 Mar. 2022 On average, more than 5 tons of phosphogypsum waste are produced for every ton of phosphoric acid created for fertilizer. Larry Brand, The Conversation, 8 Apr. 2021 If the pH level is too high, add two to three drops of phosphoric acid to the water to lower it. Angela Watson, chicagotribune.com, 26 Mar. 2021 Phosphogypsum is the waste left behind when phosphate rock is crushed and treated to create phosphoric acid for the manufacture of fertilizers and other products. Mark Schleifstein, NOLA.com, 18 Dec. 2020 Past proposals have called for 3D-printing with Sorel cement, which requires significant amounts of chemicals and water (consumables), and a rocklike material that would require both water and phosphoric acid as a liquid binder. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 22 Sep. 2020 Some sodas, in particular colas, also add phosphoric acid or citric acid for flavor and to act as a preservative as well as caffeine. Rahel Mathews, The Conversation, 7 May 2020 Past proposals have called for 3D printing with Sorel cement, which requires significant amounts of chemicals and water (consumables), and a rocklike material that would require both water and phosphoric acid as a liquid binder. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 31 Mar. 2020 See More Word History
First Known Use
1765, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Medical Definition
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 (as pyrophosphoric acid or metaphosphoric acid) consisting of phosphate groups linked directly to each other by oxygen