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phosphorous

American

[fos-fer-uhs, fos-fawr-uhs, -fohr-] / ˈfɒs fər əs, fɒsˈfɔr əs, -ˈfoʊr- /

adjective

Chemistry.

containing trivalent phosphorus.

phosphorous British

/ ˈfɒsfərəs /

adjective

of or containing phosphorus in the trivalent state

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

nonphosphorous

adjective

Etymology

Origin of phosphorous

First recorded in 1770–80; phosphor- + -ous

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Fertilisers – like chicken manure - add additional nutrients like phosphorous and nitrogen to rivers.

From BBC • May 24, 2024

Molasses is naturally rich in antioxidants, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous and vitamin B6.

From Salon • Dec. 12, 2023

White phosphorous is considered an incendiary weapon under Protocol III of the Convention on the Prohibition of Use of Certain Conventional Weapons.

From Reuters • Oct. 12, 2023

Wastewater disposed in large bodies of water can result in high amounts of nitrogen and phosphorous, which can drive the growth of algae blooms.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 1, 2023

Milkman’s left foot hovered above the floor, and Guitar’s eyes with their phosphorous lights singed his heart a little, but he took the stare.

From "Song of Solomon" by Toni Morrison

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023