diammonium phosphate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “diammonium phosphate” mean?
A water-soluble ammonium phosphate salt with the chemical formula (NH₄)₂HPO₄, used primarily as a fertilizer and food additive.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A water-soluble ammonium phosphate salt with the chemical formula (NH₄)₂HPO₄, used primarily as a fertilizer and food additive.
In industrial contexts, it serves as a flame retardant in materials like textiles and paper. In food production, it is used as a leavening agent and nutrient supplement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling follows standard national conventions for other words in the sentence.
Connotations
Neutral and technical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, confined to specialised fields.
Grammar
How to Use “diammonium phosphate” in a Sentence
[Subject] applies/treats with/adds diammonium phosphate to [Object][Subject] is composed of/formulated with diammonium phosphateDiammonium phosphate acts as a [function]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “diammonium phosphate” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The diammonium phosphate content was analysed.
- A diammonium phosphate solution was prepared.
American English
- The diammonium phosphate content was analyzed.
- A diammonium phosphate solution was prepared.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Referenced in agricultural supply contracts or chemical commodity reports.
Academic
Used in chemistry, agriculture, and food science papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Standard term in fertiliser specifications, chemical safety data sheets, and food ingredient lists.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “diammonium phosphate”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “diammonium phosphate”
- Misspelling as 'diamonium phosphate' (missing one 'm').
- Confusing it with monoammonium phosphate (MAP).
- Using it in non-technical contexts where 'fertiliser' or 'food additive' would suffice.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, DAP is the common abbreviation for diammonium phosphate in agricultural and industrial contexts.
Typically no, as it is a synthetically produced mineral salt and not approved for use under most organic certification standards.
Yes, in regulated quantities. It is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by food authorities like the FDA and EFSA when used as a leavening agent or nutrient stabiliser.
It can be a mild irritant to eyes, skin, and respiratory system. In its pure, dry form, it may also pose a dust explosion hazard in confined spaces.
A water-soluble ammonium phosphate salt with the chemical formula (NH₄)₂HPO₄, used primarily as a fertilizer and food additive.
Diammonium phosphate is usually technical/scientific in register.
Diammonium phosphate: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdaɪ.əˈməʊ.ni.əm ˈfɒs.feɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdaɪ.əˈmoʊ.ni.əm ˈfɑːs.feɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'DI-ammonium' means TWO ammonium parts, combined with PHOSPHATE, making a 'two-ammonia phosphate' fertiliser.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (Highly technical term)
Practice
Quiz
In which industry is diammonium phosphate NOT commonly used?