a. [ Pref. hypo- + phosphorous. ] (Chem.) Pertaining to, or containing, phosphorus in a lower state of oxidation than in phosphoric compounds;
Hypophosphorous acid (Chem.)
a. [ Cf. F. phosphoreux. ] (Chem.) Of or pertaining to phosphorus; resembling or containing phosphorus; specifically, designating those compounds in which phosphorus has a lower valence as contrasted with
a. (Chem.) Of, pertaining to, or designating, a hypothetical acid of phosphorus, analogous to phosphorous acid, and known in its salts. [ 1913 Webster ]