organophosphate

English

Etymology

From organo- +‎ phosphate.

Noun

organophosphate (plural organophosphates)

  1. (chemistry) Any ester of phosphoric acid or its derivatives, especially one used as an insecticide or herbicide.
    • 2018 March 13, Ian Sample, “Novichok nerve agents – what are they?”, in The Guardian[1]:
      Like other nerve agents, they are organophosphate compounds, but the chemicals used to make novichoks, and their final structures, are considered classified in the UK, the US and other countries.
    • 2023 October 18, Tom Perkins, “Flame retardant pollution threatens wildlife on all continents, research finds”, in The Guardian[2]:
      The paper found high levels of phased-out flame retardants like PCBs and PBDEs, as well as allegedly safe, newer replacements chemicals, such as chlorinated paraffins and organophosphates, across the globe.

Derived terms

Translations