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phosphorus

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phosphorus

Main Entry:: phos·pho·rus
Pronunciation:: \ˈfäs-f(ə-)rəs\
Function:: noun
Usage:: often attributive
Etymology:: New Latin, from Greek phōsphoros light-bearing — more at phosphor
Date:: 1645

1: a phosphorescent substance or body; especially : one that shines or glows in the dark2also phos·pho·rous \same\ : a nonmetallic element of the nitrogen family that occurs widely especially as phosphates — see element table

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