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 dark
2also phos·pho·rous \same\ : a nonmetallic element of the nitrogen family that occurs widely especially as phosphates — see element table