pyrophosphate

noun

py·​ro·​phos·​phate ˌpī-rə-ˈfäs-ˌfāt How to pronounce pyrophosphate (audio)
: a salt or ester of pyrophosphoric acid

Examples of pyrophosphate 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.
Pseudogout, which as its name suggests can be confused for gout, is caused by a different crystal, calcium pyrophosphate. — Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 26 Apr. 2021 Additionally, a heart scan with technetium pyrophosphate will likely be performed to look for amyloid involving the heart. — Patty Weasler, Verywell Health, 2 July 2025 Chemicals such as peroxide, enzymes, citrate, pyrophosphate and hexametaphosphate break down and dissolve stains. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026 Weighing in at one ounce under a pound, this bread was made with a number of ingredients that required a Google search to identify, including leavening agents calcium sulfate, sodium acid pyrophosphate and monocalcium phosphate and palm wax. — Ariel Cheung, chicagotribune.com, 11 Mar. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pyrophosphate was in 1827

Rhymes for pyrophosphate

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Browse Nearby Words

pyrophorus
pyrophosphate
pyrophosphoric acid
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Cite this Entry

“Pyrophosphate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pyrophosphate. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

pyrophosphate

noun
py·​ro·​phos·​phate -ˈfäs-ˌfāt How to pronounce pyrophosphate (audio)
: a salt or ester of pyrophosphoric acid

More from Merriam-Webster on pyrophosphate

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pyrophosphate

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