phosphorus

noun, often attributive phos·pho·rus \ ˈfäs-f(ə-)rəs \

|Updated on: 13 Jul 2018

Definition of phosphorus

1 : a phosphorescent substance or body; especially : one that shines or glows in the dark

2 or less commonly phosphorous play \ˈfäs-f(ə-)rəs\ : a nonmetallic element of the nitrogen family that occurs widely especially as phosphates — see Chemical Elements Table

See phosphorus defined for English-language learners

See phosphorus defined for kids

Recent Examples of phosphorus from the Web

That’s because nitrogen and phosphorus, which are in the fertilizers, are food for toxic algae.

— emily hopkins, Cincinnati.com, "Your produce is less healthy than it was 70 years ago. These farmers might change that," 4 July 2018
Stager’s team reported a surge in the pond’s levels of nitrogen and phosphorus, which are found in human waste.

— corky siemaszko, NBC News, "Famed Walden Pond, which inspired Henry David Thoreau, is being killed by pee," 6 Apr. 2018
And too much phosphorus can have a negative impact on kidney function.

— marygrace taylor, Good Housekeeping, "6 Things You Need To Know Before Making Your Own Homemade Dog Food," 8 Aug. 2017
More rainfall during the spring and summer can create excessive algae growth, because the rain carries pollutants and phosphorus into Lake Erie.

— mi clear, Detroit Free Press, "MI CLEAR brings together diverse groups to reduce algae blooms in Lake Erie," 20 June 2018
Since its construction in 1928, the Conowingo has trapped sediment, nitrogen and phosphorus that flow down the Susquehanna from Pennsylvania and New York.

— scott dance, baltimoresun.com, "Conowingo Dam owner Exelon sues Maryland officials over demands that it help reduce Susquehanna River pollution," 1 June 2018
Both phosphorus and nitrogen are found in livestock manure and chemical fertilizers that farmers spread onto their fields to increase crop production.

— john seewer, The Seattle Times, "Study shows no drop in pollutants feeding Lake Erie algae," 22 Apr. 2018
One chemical, phosphorus, regularly washes up on the German island of Rugen, where tourists or amber collectors have accidentally picked up pieces of the toxic mineral in recent years.

— the washington post, NOLA.com, "Unexploded WWII bomb forces mass evacuation in Berlin," 20 Apr. 2018
But white phosphorus is also incredibly volatile, not to mention toxic, so Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories have been working on a safer, more effective alternative.

— david hambling, Popular Mechanics, "These Are Syria's Chemical Weapons. Here's How To Destroy Them," 13 Apr. 2018

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1680

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

PHOSPHORUS Defined for English Language Learners

phosphorus

noun

Definition of phosphorus for English Language Learners

chemistry : a poisonous chemical element that glows in the dark and burns when it is touched by air

PHOSPHORUS Defined for Kids

phosphorus

noun phos·pho·rus \ ˈfäs-fə-rəs \

Definition of phosphorus for Students

: a white or yellowish waxy chemical element that gives a faint glow in moist air

Medical Dictionary

phosphorus

noun, often attributive phos·pho·rus \ ˈfäs-f(ə-)rəs \

medical 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 Chemical Elements Table