phosphorous

adjective

phos·​pho·​rous ˈfäs-f(ə-)rəs How to pronounce phosphorous (audio) fäs-ˈfȯr-əs How to pronounce phosphorous (audio)
: of, relating to, or containing phosphorus especially with a valence lower than in phosphoric compounds

Word History

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of phosphorous was in 1788

Dictionary Entries Near phosphorous

Cite this Entry

“Phosphorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phosphorous. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

Medical Definition

phosphorous

adjective
: of, relating to, or containing phosphorus especially with a valence lower than in phosphoric compounds
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!