superphosphate

noun

su·​per·​phos·​phate ˌsü-pər-ˈfäs-ˌfāt How to pronounce superphosphate (audio)
1
: an acid phosphate
2
: a soluble mixture of phosphates used as fertilizer and made from insoluble mineral phosphates by treatment with sulfuric acid

Examples of superphosphate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Coprolites were sorted, washed, and transported by buggy, train, and canal barge to processing facilities, where they were milled and treated with acid to make superphosphate—the world’s first chemical fertilizer. Julia Rosen, The Atlantic, 8 Feb. 2021 Use superphosphate if squirrels have a tendency to dig in your beds. Kathy Huber, Houston Chronicle, 2 Feb. 2018 Mix a little bone meal or superphosphate in the soil around each tuber. Kathy Huber, Houston Chronicle, 2 Feb. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of superphosphate was in 1798

Dictionary Entries Near superphosphate

Cite this Entry

“Superphosphate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/superphosphate. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

superphosphate

noun
su·​per·​phos·​phate ˌsü-pər-ˈfäs-ˌfāt How to pronounce superphosphate (audio)
: a soluble mixture of phosphates used as fertilizer

More from Merriam-Webster on superphosphate

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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