superphosphate
noun
su·per·phos·phate
ˌsü-pər-ˈfäs-ˌfāt 
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
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
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
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'superphosphate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1798, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near superphosphate
Cite this Entry
“Superphosphate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/superphosphate. Accessed 20 Apr. 2024.
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Kids Definition
superphosphate
noun
su·per·phos·phate
ˌsü-pər-ˈfäs-ˌfāt
: a soluble mixture of phosphates used as fertilizer
More from Merriam-Webster on superphosphate
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about superphosphate
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