Definition of phosphorus
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 that occurs widely especially as phosphates — see element table
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Recent Examples of phosphorus from the Web
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Southern peas are delicious as well as high in fiber, protein, calcium and phosphorus, and any extras are easily frozen for future use.
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Use Morbloom, high in phosphorus and potassium instead. 7.
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Instead, embrace yolk’s good-for-you nutrients like phosphorus, immune-boosting zinc, B vitamins and selenium, which plays a key role in metabolism.
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Use Morbloom, high in phosphorus and potassium instead. 7.
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According to a BAFU study, 6,000 tonnes (about 6,600 tons) of phosphorus – a high-grade nutrient for the production of fertilizers – could be recovered each year from sludge and sludge ash.
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Elgin Water Director Kyla Jacobsen said phosphorus is found naturally and in agricultural and lawn care products.
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A large ocean is necessary to support rain on land, which also provides sulphur and phosphorus.
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Calculations by University of Kentucky water quality expert Lindell Ormsbee show farming may contribute as much as a third of all the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus that are getting into Floyds Fork.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'phosphorus.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of phosphorus
New Latin, from Greek phōsphoros light-bearing — more at phosphor
PHOSPHORUS Defined for English Language Learners
phosphorus
playDefinition of phosphorus for English Language Learners
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chemistry : a poisonous chemical element that glows in the dark and burns when it is touched by air
PHOSPHORUS Defined for Kids
phosphorus
playDefinition of phosphorus for Students
: a white or yellowish waxy chemical element that gives a faint glow in moist air
Medical Dictionary
phosphorus
playMedical Definition of phosphorus
: 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 element table
Learn More about phosphorus
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Spanish Central: Translation of phosphorus Nglish: Translation of phosphorus for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of phosphorus for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about phosphorus
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