phosphorus

¹

[fos-fer-uhs]

noun

plural

phosphori 

1. Chemistry.,  a solid, nonmetallic element existing in at least three allotropic forms, one that is yellow, poisonous, flammable, and luminous in the dark, one that is red, less poisonous, and less flammable, and another that is black, insoluble in most solvents, and the least flammable. The element is used in forming smoke screens, its compounds are used in matches and phosphate fertilizers, and it is a necessary constituent of plant and animal life in bones, nerves, and embryos. P; 30.974; 15; (yellow) 1.82 at 20°C, (red) 2.20 at 20°C, (black) 2.25–2.69 at 20°C.

2. any phosphorescent substance.

3. phosphor.

Phosphorus

²

[fos-fer-uhs]

noun

1. Phosphor.

Phosphorus

¹

/ ˈfɒsfərəs /

noun

1. a morning star, esp Venus

phosphorus

²

/ ˈfɒsfərəs /

noun

1. an allotropic nonmetallic element occurring in phosphates and living matter. Ordinary phosphorus is a toxic flammable phosphorescent white solid; the red form is less reactive and nontoxic: used in matches, pesticides, and alloys. The radioisotope phosphorus-32 ( radiophosphorus ), with a half-life of 14.3 days, is used in radiotherapy and as a tracer. Symbol: P; atomic no: 15; atomic wt: 30.973 762; valency: 3 or 5; relative density: 1.82 (white), 2.20 (red); melting pt: 44.1°C (white); boiling pt: 280°C (white)

2. a less common name for a phosphor

phosphorus

1. A highly reactive, poisonous nonmetallic element occurring naturally in phosphates, especially in the mineral apatite. It exists in white (or sometimes yellow), red, and black forms, and is an essential component of protoplasm. Phosphorus is used to make matches, fireworks, and fertilizers and to protect metal surfaces from corrosion. Atomic number 15; atomic weight 30.9738; melting point (white) 44.1°C; boiling point 280°C; specific gravity (white) 1.82; valence 3, 5.

2. See Periodic Table

Word History and Origins

Origin of phosphorus¹

1620–30; < New Latin phōsphorus phosphorus; Latin: morning star; Phosphor

Word History and Origins

Origin of phosphorus¹

C17: via Latin from Greek phōsphoros light-bringing, from phōs light + pherein to bring

Example Sentences

Reed is also expected to confirm aims to cut phosphorus pollution from treated wastewater - which causes algae blooms that are harmful to wildlife - in half by 2028, compared to 2024 levels.

From BBC

The greens are also rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin B6 and minerals, including magnesium, phosphorus, iron, calcium and potassium.

From Salon

The California coastline can experience large-scale blooms of algae called Pseudo-nitzschia australis when warm water combines with excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus.

From Los Angeles Times

Algal blooms can form due to low water circulation or after weather events like droughts, floods or hurricanes and can quickly proliferate in warm, nutrient-rich water, particularly if it’s loaded with phosphorus and nitrogen.

From Los Angeles Times

The new initiative built on other work including an ongoing £20m project addressing phosphorus levels in soil through the Land Use for Net Zero, People and Nature programme, she added.

From BBC