phosphorus

noun

phos·​pho·​rus ˈfäs-f(ə-)rəs 

often attributive

1

: a phosphorescent substance or body

especially : one that shines or glows in the dark

2

or less commonly phosphorous

ˈfäs-f(ə-)rəs 

: a nonmetallic element of the nitrogen family with atomic number 15 that occurs widely in combination especially as phosphates, that is essential for life in all known organisms, and that is used especially in fertilizers and organophosphorus compounds see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of phosphorus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Stockholm University earth scientists have tried to identify other planetary boundaries—of ocean acidity, flows of nitrogen and phosphorus, and levels of stratospheric ozone—that define a safe operating range for humans. —Leigh Phillips, The Atlantic, 9 July 2024

In addition, the plan is hindered by a lack of enforceable limits on nitrogen and phosphorus, according to the Tulane Institute on Water Resources Law and Policy. —Delaney Dryfoos, Journal Sentinel, 4 July 2024

Levels of nitrogen and phosphorus increased tenfold. —Ferris Jabr, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 July 2024

As a mild, organic fertilizer, coffee grounds contain essential minerals such as nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, which enhance soil fertility and support plant health, albeit not as a standalone treatment. —Debbie Wolfe, Popular Science, 26 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek phōsphoros light-bearing — more at phosphor

First Known Use

1680, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

phosphorus

noun

phos·​pho·​rus ˈfäs-f(ə-)rəs 

1

: a phosphorescent substance

especially : one that glows in the dark

2

: a nonmetallic element that occurs widely especially as phosphates see element

phosphoric

fäs-ˈfȯr-ik

-ˈfär-

adjective

phosphorous

ˈfäs-f(ə-)rəs;

fäs-ˈfōr-əs

-ˈfȯr-

adjective

Medical Definition

phosphorus

noun

phos·​pho·​rus ˈfäs-f(ə-)rəs 

often attributive

: a nonmetallic multivalent element that occurs widely in combined form especially as inorganic phosphates in minerals, soils, natural waters, bones, and teeth and as organic phosphates in all living cells and that exists in several allotropic forms

—symbol P see Chemical Elements Table