Hy`po*phos"phor*ous (?), a. [Pref. hypo- + phosphorous.] Chem.
Pertaining to, or containing, phosphorus in a lower state of oxidation than in phosphoric compounds; as, hypophosphorous acid.
Hypophosphorous acid Chem. , an acid, H3PO2, whose salts are produced by the action of barium hygrate on phosphorus. It may be obtained from its water solution, by exaporation and freezing, as a white crystalline substance. It is a powerful reducing agent.
© Webster 1913.