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metaphosphate

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˌmɛtəˈfɒsfeɪt/

KK: /mɛtəˈfɔsfeɪt/

noun
Definition

A type of salt or ester that comes from metaphosphoric acid, often used in various chemical applications.


Example

The chemist prepared a solution containing metaphosphate for the experiment.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard of metaphosphate?
Sloth B
No, I haven't. What is it?
Sloth A
It's a type of salt from metaphosphoric acid, pretty interesting stuff.
Sloth B
That sounds cool! I love learning about different chemicals.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
phosphate
salt
ester
Antonyms
Root Explanation

Metaphosphate is formed from "meta-" (meaning beyond or change) and "phosphate" (from Greek "phosphoros", meaning light-bearing or phosphorus, which refers to the phosphate group). The term refers to a type of phosphate that is derived from phosphoric acid, indicating a change or transformation in the phosphate structure.

Memory Tip

Think of 'meta-' meaning 'beyond' or 'change' and 'phosphate' relating to phosphorus. This helps you remember that 'metaphosphate' refers to a transformed or changed form of phosphate.

Visually Confused Words
tetraphosphate
phosphate
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