phosphorus

noun

phos·​pho·​rus ˈfäs-f(ə-)rəs How to pronounce phosphorus (audio)
often attributive
1
: a phosphorescent substance or body
especially : one that shines or glows in the dark
2
or less commonly phosphorous : a nonmetallic element of the nitrogen family with atomic number 15 that occurs widely in combination especially as phosphates, that is essential for life in all known organisms, and that is used especially in fertilizers and organophosphorus compounds see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of phosphorus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web These substances support each plant’s roots and help the plant better absorb nutrients like phosphorus, nitrogen, and calcium through enriched water. Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 14 Oct. 2024 These include vitamin C and B vitamins (like thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and folate), calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, manganese, chromium, sodium, and potassium. Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 10 Oct. 2024 Three ounces of skipjack tuna, for example, contain iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, thiamin, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin A, and a whopping 18 grams of protein, per the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 8 Oct. 2024 May Support Your Bones Calcium and phosphorus are the major components of the compound hydroxyapatite, which provides strength and structure to your bones. Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Health, 29 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for phosphorus 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'phosphorus.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek phōsphoros light-bearing — more at phosphor

First Known Use

1680, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of phosphorus was in 1680

Dictionary Entries Near phosphorus

Cite this Entry

“Phosphorus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phosphorus. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

phosphorus

noun
phos·​pho·​rus ˈfäs-f(ə-)rəs How to pronounce phosphorus (audio)
1
: a phosphorescent substance
especially : one that glows in the dark
2
: a nonmetallic element that occurs widely especially as phosphates see element
phosphoric
fäs-ˈfȯr-ik
-ˈfär-
adjective
phosphorous
ˈfäs-f(ə-)rəs;
fäs-ˈfōr-əs
-ˈfȯr-
adjective

Medical Definition

phosphorus

noun
phos·​pho·​rus ˈfäs-f(ə-)rəs How to pronounce phosphorus (audio)
often attributive
: a nonmetallic multivalent element that occurs widely in combined form especially as inorganic phosphates in minerals, soils, natural waters, bones, and teeth and as organic phosphates in all living cells and that exists in several allotropic forms
symbol P
see Chemical Elements Table

More from Merriam-Webster on phosphorus

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