1. Plural of polyphosphate; chemical compounds containing multiple phosphate groups linked together, used in detergents, food preservation, and industrial applications.
Usage: technical; chemistry

Examples

• Polyphosphates are commonly added to laundry detergents to soften water and improve cleaning effectiveness.
• The food industry uses polyphosphates as preservatives and to maintain moisture in processed meats.
• Sodium polyphosphates help prevent mineral buildup in water treatment systems.
• Environmental regulations have restricted the use of certain polyphosphates in household products due to eutrophication concerns.
• Polyphosphates are important compounds in both industrial chemistry and biochemistry.