Main Entry:

phos·phate

Pronunciation:

\ˈfäs-ˌfāt\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

French, from acide phosphorique phosphoric acid

Date:

1788

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 syrup3: a phosphatic material used for fertilizers