phosphine

[ fos-feen, -fin ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a colorless, poisonous, ill-smelling, flammable gas, PH 3 .
2. any of certain organic derivatives of this compound.

phosphine

/ ˈfɒsfiːn /

noun

1. a colourless flammable gas that is slightly soluble in water and has a strong fishy odour: used as a pesticide. Formula: PH 3

Word History and Origins

Origin of phosphine¹

First recorded in 1870–75; phosph- + -ine ¹

Example Sentences

Under the name of “phosphine” this colouring-matter is still used, especially for the dyeing of leather.

From Project Gutenberg

Give the formula for the salt which phosphine forms with hydriodic acid.

From Project Gutenberg

Absence of change shows phosphine, quinoline yellow, or a natural dye-stuff.

From Project Gutenberg

The acetylene prepared from this substance has a very characteristic odor due to impurities, the chief of these being phosphine.

From Project Gutenberg

Extremely dangerous explosive mixtures may be made by combining phosphine and air or oxygen.

From Project Gutenberg