phosphate

noun

phos·​phate ˈfäs-ˌfāt How to pronounce phosphate (audio)
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 syrup
3
: a phosphatic material used for fertilizers

Examples of phosphate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In addition to their use in fertilizers, phosphates are also needed for the green transition because of the growth of lithium iron phosphate batteries. Saleem H. Ali, Forbes, 7 Sep. 2024 How Lead Harms the Body Lead diffuses into soft tissues such as the kidneys, brain, and liver and then is distributed to bones, teeth and hair as lead phosphate. Don Rauf, EverydayHealth.com, 13 Sep. 2024 Morrocco also has a major extractive economy around phosphates (accounting for around 70% of global reserves). Saleem H. Ali, Forbes, 7 Sep. 2024 There are about two dozen other similar phosphate wastewater reservoirs in Florida, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Curt Anderson, Sun Sentinel, 9 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for phosphate 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'phosphate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French, from acide phosphorique phosphoric acid

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Time Traveler
The first known use of phosphate was in 1788

Dictionary Entries Near phosphate

Cite this Entry

“Phosphate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phosphate. Accessed 9 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

phosphate

noun
phos·​phate ˈfäs-ˌfāt How to pronounce phosphate (audio)
1
: a salt of a phosphoric acid
2
: a drink made of carbonated water and fruit syrup with a little phosphoric acid added for tang

Medical Definition

phosphate

noun
phos·​phate ˈfäs-ˌfāt How to pronounce phosphate (audio)
1
a
: a salt or ester of a phosphoric acid
b
: the trivalent anion PO43− derived from phosphoric acid H3PO4
2
: 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)

More from Merriam-Webster on phosphate

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