tributyl phosphate

noun

tri·​butyl phosphate
(ˈ)trī+-
: a liquid inorganic ester (C4H9)3PO4 made from normal butyl alcohol and phosphorus oxychloride and used chiefly as a solvent and plasticizer (as for nitrocellulose lacquers and cellulose plastics)

Word History

Etymology

tributyl from tri- + butyl

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near tributyl phosphate

Cite this Entry

“Tributyl phosphate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tributyl%20phosphate. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!