phosphate

noun

phos·​phate ˈfäs-ˌfāt 

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

Both have some of the world's richest deposits of potash and phosphate. —Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

One is Curodont, a liquid that dentists apply to a problem spot that attracts calcium and phosphate from saliva, reconstructing tooth enamel. —The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 May 2026

The eponymous unit is built around industrial-grade lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) cells, the same chemistry typically used in large-scale stationary energy storage. —New Atlas, 19 May 2026

Farley pointed out to Fortune that Ford’s ongoing restructuring involves launching an energy business and converting several factories in that direction, with workers now needing to learn arcane expertise such as lithium iron phosphate chemistry. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 13 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, from acide phosphorique phosphoric acid

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing phosphate

• ammonium phosphate
• calcium phosphate
• creatine phosphate
• diammonium phosphate
• disodium phosphate
• glucose phosphate
• glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase
• nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate
• phosphate rock
• trisodium phosphate

Rhymes for phosphate

• bisphosphate
• diphosphate
• triphosphate
• glycerophosphate
• organophosphate
• metaphosphate
• monophosphate
• orthophosphate
• polyphosphate
• pyrophosphate
• superphosphate

Kids Definition

phosphate

noun

phos·​phate ˈfäs-ˌfāt 

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 

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)