phosphate

American  

[fos-feyt] / ˈfɒs feɪt /

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.

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phosphate British  

/ 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

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phosphate Scientific  

/ fŏs′fāt′ /

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

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Other Word Forms

• phosphatic adjective
• subphosphate noun

Etymology

Origin of phosphate

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

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.

From Science Daily

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

From Barron's

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

From Science Daily

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

From BBC

DNA and proteins naturally attract one another in living cells because DNA's phosphate groups carry a negative charge, while many amino acids are positively charged.

From Science Daily