phosphine

noun

phos·​phine ˈfäs-ˌfēn 

1

: any of various derivatives of phosphine analogous to amines but weaker as bases

2

: a colorless poisonous flammable gas PH₃ that is a weaker base than ammonia and that is used especially to fumigate stored grain

Examples of phosphine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

An inspection found traces of the insecticide phosphine gas on towels, masks and swab samples taken from the hotel. — CBS News, 26 June 2026

Unlike with glycine, scientists have not yet agreed on whether phosphine, which is associated with some biological processes on Earth, is indeed present on Venus. — Olivia Harper Wilkins, The Conversation, 27 Apr. 2026

Because the Venusian atmosphere is dominated by carbon dioxide, identifying minor components such as phosphine, ammonia, or hydrogen sulfide is particularly challenging. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Mar. 2026

The surface is then dosed with phosphine gas, which adsorbs to the surface only in places where the silicon is exposed. — IEEE Spectrum, 4 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for phosphine

• agin
• alkene
• allene
• ameen
• amin
• arene
• athene
• baleen
• beeline
• benzene
• between
• bromine

Medical Definition

phosphine

noun

phos·​phine -ˌfēn 

1

: a colorless poisonous flammable gas PH₃ that is a weaker base than ammonia and that is used especially to fumigate stored grain

2

: any of various derivatives of phosphine analogous to amines but weaker as bases