phosphate

noun

phos·phate ˈfäs-ˌfāt

a(1)

: a salt or ester of a phosphoric acid

(2)

: the trivalent anion PO₄³⁻ derived from phosphoric acid H₃PO₄

: 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)

: an effervescent drink of carbonated water with a small amount of phosphoric acid flavored with fruit syrup

: a phosphatic material used for fertilizers

Examples of phosphate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In the meantime, Toyota plans to roll out a range of lithium-ion phosphate batteries by 2026 that can shrink production costs by 20% and increase driving range by 40%. —

Diego Lasarte, Quartz, 13 June 2023 The parathyroid gland helps regulate calcium and phosphate, so these need to be checked. —

Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 8 Sep. 2023 When creatures—including people—die, microbes decompose them, releasing carbon, nitrogen and phosphates that create new life. —

David Ewing Duncan, Scientific American, 8 Sep. 2023 The product does not contain any nitrates, sulfates, phosphates, parabens, dyes, or surfactants. —

Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 22 Apr. 2023 The batteries will use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) technology, which is cheaper and easier to source than the lithium batteries in Teslas and some other cars. —

Tim Fitzpatrick, The Salt Lake Tribune, 25 Aug. 2023 Additionally, renal dysfunction, phosphate depletion, low vitamin D levels, ketoacidosis, and hyperaldosteronism secondary to liver disease can all contribute to low magnesium levels. —

Willow Jarosh, Ms, Rd, Health, 27 June 2023 Approval of the study is good news for the phosphate industry, which has a big waste problem. —

Eric Tegethoff, The New Republic, 18 July 2023 His third, lithium iron phosphate, is now one of the most popular battery chemistries in the automotive industry. —

IEEE Spectrum, 13 July 2023 See More

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

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Phosphate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phosphate. Accessed 30 Sep. 2023.

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Kids Definition

phosphate

noun

phos·phate ˈfäs-ˌfāt

: a salt of a phosphoric acid

: 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

: a salt or ester of a phosphoric acid

: the trivalent anion PO₄³⁻ derived from phosphoric acid H₃PO₄

: 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)