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

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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

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“Phosphorous acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phosphorous%20acid. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

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