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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While the amount of fat in your milk may vary, know that all cow’s milk contains the same nine essential nutrients: Calcium, protein, vitamin D, phosphorus, vitamin A, riboflavin, vitamin B-12, magnesium, potassium, and niacin.
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The rainfall and the high wind velocity churn the lakes, and the phosphorus that is trapped in the sediment is released, creating the foam, added Ramachandra.
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There were also widespread reports that the Americans had attacked Falluja with white phosphorus, a chemical agent that burns through human skin.
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Nitrogen, phosphate (phosphorus) and potash (potassium) in that order are represented by the three numbers on a fertilizer's label (called the analysis), which indicates the percentage of those nutrients contained in the fertilizer.
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Both Libertyville and Mundelein approved ordinances in 2015 that restrict the sale and use of phosphorus products, especially on lawns that drain into public sewers.
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Milk contains a sugar called lactose, as well as vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus.
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So firing phosphorus weapons carelessly in a civilian area, or deliberately targeting civilians, could step over the line.
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
First Known Use: 1680
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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