phosphorus

noun

phos·​pho·​rus ˈfäs-f(ə-)rəs 

often attributive

1

: a phosphorescent substance or body

especially : one that shines or glows in the dark

2

or less commonly phosphorous

ˈfäs-f(ə-)rəs 

: 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

On average, phosphorus has declined 34% in a testing area near Bellevue, Iowa — but there was no clear trend south of there. —Journal Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2024

In The Devil’s Element, journalist Dan Egan explains how phosphorus is essential for all life; it can be found in every cell in your body. —Bridget Alex, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Dec. 2023

Many weapons that analysts say have been used in Gaza, including the controversial incendiary white phosphorus, can seep into the water supply. —Adam Taylor, Washington Post, 6 Dec. 2023

Compost is rich in organic matter like carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus that boosts the health of the soil, said Florida International University microbiologist and soil scientist, Krish Jayachandran. —Ashley Miznazi, Orlando Sentinel, 15 Jan. 2024

The rain leaches the sandy, volcanic soil, draining it of nitrogen and phosphorus. —Douglas Main, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2024

Each organic product will show three numbers on the label that express the levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. —Maureen Gilmer, Charlotte Observer, 1 Feb. 2024

Nitrogen and phosphorus are flowing from the Mississippi River Basin into the Gulf of Mexico, creating an oxygen-void area along southern Louisiana and eastern Texas over 18 times larger than Chicago. —Chicago Tribune Staff, Chicago Tribune, 29 Jan. 2024

More:It's been more than a decade since Wisconsin cracked down on phosphorus. —Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1680, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

phosphorus

noun

phos·​pho·​rus ˈfäs-f(ə-)rəs 

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 

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