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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Hydroxyapatite Is in Teeth and Bones Hydroxyapatite (HAp) is a natural mineral found in human teeth and bones, produced by cells called osteoblasts, which concentrate calcium and phosphate to grow and maintain our skeletal system. Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 19 June 2025 The order came months after the water provider introduced a blended phosphate mix into University Park’s public water system, triggering a chemical reaction that officials claimed stripped away a protective layer in residential plumbing. Mike Nolan, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2025 Its lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry trades some power density for safety, durability, and unbeatable charging speeds. IEEE Spectrum, 6 June 2025 For a phosphate level blood test, Pfeifer was billed $30, while insured patients at UCHealth were charged between $3.72 and $22.02. Gretchen Morgenson, NBC news, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for phosphate

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

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Cite this Entry

“Phosphate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phosphate. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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)

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