phosphate

[fos-feyt]

noun

1. Chemistry.

   1. (loosely) a salt or ester of phosphoric acid.

   2. a tertiary salt of orthophosphoric acid, as sodium phosphate.

2. Agriculture.,  a fertilizing material containing compounds of phosphorus.

3. a carbonated drink of water and fruit syrup containing a little phosphoric acid.

phosphate

/ ˈfɒsfeɪt, fɒsˈfætɪk /

noun

1. any salt or ester of any phosphoric acid, esp a salt of orthophosphoric acid

2. (often plural) any of several chemical fertilizers containing phosphorous compounds

phosphate

1. A salt or ester of phosphoric acid, containing the group PO ₄. Phosphates are important in metabolism and are frequently used in fertilizers.

Other Word Forms

• subphosphate noun
• phosphatic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of phosphate¹

First recorded in 1785–95; phosph- + -ate ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of phosphate¹

C18: from French phosphat; see _phosphorus , _-ate ¹

Example Sentences

The protein ZAK -- a so-called kinase, that is, an enzyme which activates other molecules by transferring a phosphate group to them -- plays a central role in controlling this stress response.

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The territory is rich in phosphates and home to lucrative fishing grounds.

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Over time, this microscopic framework continued to attract calcium and phosphate ions, gradually forming a durable, enamel-like layer.

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Several of Wales' other most protected river networks are also failing to meet targets around phosphate pollution - including the Usk and Cleddau.

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Specific regions of DNA known as phosphates act like tiny "hands" that guide chemical reactions to form the correct mirror-image version of a compound.

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