phosphate

noun

phos·​phate ˈfäs-ˌfāt 

1

a(1)

: a salt or ester of a phosphoric acid

(2)

: the trivalent anion PO₄³⁻ derived from phosphoric acid H₃PO₄

b

: an organic compound of phosphoric acid in which the acid group is bound to nitrogen or a carboxyl group in a way that permits useful energy to be released (as in metabolism)

2

: an effervescent drink of carbonated water with a small amount of phosphoric acid flavored with fruit syrup

3

: a phosphatic material used for fertilizers

Examples of phosphate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

During the early years of the 20th century, when the island was rich in phosphate crucial to industrial agriculture, it was ruined by the extraction work of foreign companies. —Randy Boyagoda, The Atlantic, 17 Oct. 2024

Normal tau becomes phosphorylated as molecular phosphate groups are attached, which changes the protein's structure. —William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024

Twenty-two of the state’s 25 phosphate waste piles, several owned by industry powerhouse Mosaic (MOS), were in Milton’s path. —Ayurella Horn-Muller / Grist, Quartz, 24 Oct. 2024

Aluminum-containing antacids could lead to low magnesium, constipation, anemia, and low phosphate levels. —Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 21 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French, from acide phosphorique phosphoric acid

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Phrases Containing phosphate

• ammonium phosphate
• calcium phosphate
• creatine phosphate
• diammonium phosphate
• disodium phosphate
• glucose phosphate
• glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase
• nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate
• phosphate rock
• trisodium phosphate

Kids Definition

phosphate

noun

phos·​phate ˈfäs-ˌfāt 

1

: a salt of a phosphoric acid

2

: a drink made of carbonated water and fruit syrup with a little phosphoric acid added for tang

Medical Definition

phosphate

noun

phos·​phate ˈfäs-ˌfāt 

1

a

: a salt or ester of a phosphoric acid

b

: the trivalent anion PO₄³⁻ derived from phosphoric acid H₃PO₄

2

: an organic compound of phosphoric acid in which the acid group is bound to nitrogen or a carboxyl group in a way that permits useful energy to be released (as in metabolism)