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 The fountain also serves phosphates as well as milkshakes, malts and sundaes. The Indianapolis Star, 12 Mar. 2024 At least six products are on the FDA’s shortages list, including dexamethasone sodium phosphate and methylprednisolone acetate injections. Meghana Keshavan, STAT, 12 Feb. 2024 The plants will also require very large quantities of water (think drip irrigation) and the soil will need fertilizers such as nitrogen (large amounts), potassium and phosphates. Barb Sands, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Feb. 2024 Each formula contains materials such as fish bone meal, feather meal, kelp meal, alfalfa meal and rock phosphate. Maureen Gilmer, Charlotte Observer, 1 Feb. 2024 In addition, the yacht packs LiFePO4 (lithium-Iron phosphate) batteries and a nifty battery management system that improves efficiency. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 16 Jan. 2024 With lithium iron phosphate technology, Jackery expects this latest generation of devices to last up to 4,000 cycles. Anthony Karcz, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024 These lithium iron phosphate batteries can hold 185 megawatts of power, enough to power 17% of the island of O’ahu for three hours. Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2024 There have been instances of batteries catching fire, but the four SDG&E sites are powered by lithium iron phosphate battery cells that are considered safer, with less risk of fire. Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Feb. 2024

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 18 Mar. 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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