organophosphorus

adjective

or·​gan·​o·​phos·​pho·​rus ˌȯr-gə-nō-ˈfäs-f(ə-)rəs 

ȯr-ˌga-nō-

variants or less commonly organophosphorous

ˌȯr-gə-nō-fäs-ˈfȯr-əs 

ȯr-ˌga-nō-

: of, relating to, or being a phosphorus-containing organic compound and especially a pesticide (such as malathion) that acts by inhibiting cholinesterase

organophosphorus noun

Examples of organophosphorus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sergei Skripal was poisoned with one of a class of nerve agents known as Novichok agents and chemically described as organophosphorus compounds. —Vera Thoss, Washington Post, 24 Mar. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

organophosphorus

adjective

or·​gan·​o·​phos·​pho·​rus -ˈfäs-f(ə-)rəs 

variants also organophosphorous

-fäs-ˈfōr-əs, -ˈfȯr- 

: of, relating to, or being a phosphorus-containing organic pesticide (as malathion) that acts by inhibiting cholinesterase

organophosphorus noun