disodium phosphate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “disodium phosphate” mean?
A chemical compound (Na₂HPO₄) used as a food additive, buffering agent, and emulsifier.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A chemical compound (Na₂HPO₄) used as a food additive, buffering agent, and emulsifier.
In industrial and laboratory contexts, it refers to a specific salt of phosphoric acid with two sodium atoms, known for its ability to regulate pH.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage. Spelling and terminology are identical.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, confined to specialist fields.
Grammar
How to Use “disodium phosphate” in a Sentence
Disodium phosphate is used as a(n) [additive/agent] in [product].[Product] contains disodium phosphate.The function of disodium phosphate is to [stabilise/emulsify/regulate].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “disodium phosphate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The mixture is then disodium phosphated for stability. (Note: extremely rare/coined)
American English
- The formula was disodium phosphated to adjust pH. (Note: extremely rare/coined)
adjective
British English
- The disodium phosphate compound is hygroscopic.
American English
- Check the disodium phosphate content in the solution.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in product specification sheets and ingredient procurement in food manufacturing.
Academic
Appears in chemistry, biochemistry, and food technology papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Might be read on an ingredient label, but typically not used in conversation.
Technical
Precise term in formulations, laboratory protocols, and regulatory documents.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “disodium phosphate”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “disodium phosphate”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “disodium phosphate”
- Misspelling as 'disoduim phosphate'.
- Incorrectly using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a disodium phosphate'). It is typically uncountable.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is generally recognised as safe (GRAS) by food safety authorities when used within specified limits in food products.
They are different salts of phosphoric acid. Monosodium phosphate (NaH₂PO₄) has one sodium atom and is more acidic, while disodium phosphate (Na₂HPO₄) has two and is less acidic, affecting their buffering properties.
Most commonly on ingredient lists for processed cheeses, canned soups, powdered drinks, and some meat products.
It is a chemically synthesised compound, though the elements it contains (sodium, phosphorus, oxygen) are naturally occurring.
A chemical compound (Na₂HPO₄) used as a food additive, buffering agent, and emulsifier.
Disodium phosphate is usually technical/scientific in register.
Disodium phosphate: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdaɪˌsəʊ.di.əm ˈfɒs.feɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdaɪˌsoʊ.di.əm ˈfɑːs.feɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DI (two) SODIUM atoms attached to a PHOSPHATE group. Its formula Na₂HPO₄ hints at two sodiums (Na₂).
Conceptual Metaphor
Often conceptualised as a 'regulator' or 'stabiliser' within a system.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of disodium phosphate in processed food?