phosphate

noun

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phos·phate | \ ˈfäs-ˌfāt

Definition of phosphate

1a(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

Example Sentences Phrases Containing phosphate Learn More About phosphate

Examples of phosphate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web While fatigue isn’t well understood, the negative consequences of anaerobic training can include acidosis, leaky calcium channels, depolarization, and inorganic phosphate accumulation, among others. — Outside Online, 17 July 2020 Since 2020, nitrogen fertilizer prices have risen four-fold, while phosphate and potash prices have climbed more than three-fold. — Chloe Sorvino, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2022 Russia and Ukraine are major suppliers of urea, potash and phosphate, key components of fertilizers. — Stephanie Busari, CNN, 23 Mar. 2022 Weighing in at one ounce under a pound, this bread was made with a number of ingredients that required a Google search to identify, including leavening agents calcium sulfate, sodium acid pyrophosphate and monocalcium phosphate and palm wax. — Ariel Cheung, chicagotribune.com, 11 Mar. 2022 Italiana di Paleontologia e Stratigrafia, the scientists describe using a spectroscopic device to confirm the calcium and phosphate signatures of coprolites — fossilized feces — in the fish’s braincase. — New York Times, 4 Feb. 2022 Instead, choose no-sting vitamin C ingredients, such as magnesium ascorbyl phosphate. — Renée Rouleau, refinery29.com, 28 Jan. 2022 But it is closely linked to Associated Industries of Florida, the big-business lobbying group whose members include electric utility Florida Power & Light, sugar grower Florida Crystals and phosphate miner Mosaic Co. — Jason Garcia, orlandosentinel.com, 18 Jan. 2022 Florida is home to numerous current and former phosphate mining facilities. — Li Cohen, CBS News, 7 Dec. 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'phosphate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries Near phosphate

phosphatase

phosphate

phosphated flour

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Last Updated

11 May 2022

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“Phosphate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phosphate. Accessed 22 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for phosphate

phosphate

noun

phos·phate | \ ˈfäs-ˌfāt

Medical Definition of phosphate

1a : 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)