sodium phosphate: Meaning and Definition of

so'dium phos'phate

Pronunciation: [key]
— Chem. Chem.
  1. Also calleda white, crystalline, slightly hygroscopic, water-soluble powder, NaHPO, used chiefly in dyeing and in electroplating.
  2. Also calleda water-soluble compound that in its anhydrous form, NaHPO, occurring as a white, crystalline, hygroscopic powder, is used chiefly in the manufacture of ceramic glazes, enamels, baking powder, and cheeses, and that in its hydrated form, NaHPO&multiplydot;xHO, occurring as clear colorless crystals, is used chiefly in the manufacture of dyes, fertilizers, detergents, and pharmaceuticals.
  3. Also calleda colorless water-soluble compound, NaPO&multiplydot;12HO, occurring as crystals: used chiefly in the manufacture of water-softening agents, detergents, paper, and textiles.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.