phosphorus
phos·pho·rus
noun, often attributive \ˈfäs-f(ə-)rəs\Definition of PHOSPHORUS
1
: a phosphorescent substance or body; especially : one that shines or glows in the dark
2
also phos·pho·rous \same\ : a nonmetallic element of the nitrogen family that occurs widely especially as phosphates — see element table
See Origin of PHOSPHORUS
New Latin, from Greek phōsphoros light-bearing — more at phosphor
First Known Use: 1645
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