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phosphate rock

American  

noun

  1. phosphorite.


Etymology

Origin of phosphate rock

First recorded in 1865–70

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.

The processing of phosphate rock into fertiliser emits toxic gases such as sulphur dioxide and ammonia.

From Barron's • Oct. 10, 2025

Phosphorus predominantly comes from mining phosphate rock sources, of which there are only a relatively small number of sources located in countries like Morocco and Russia.

From Science Daily • Mar. 25, 2024

In a statement, Genco acknowledged the attack and said the vessel was carrying a load of phosphate rock.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 17, 2024

Phosphate fertilizer is made from phosphate rock — a non-renewable resource which is rapidly depleting through agricultural use.

From Salon • Feb. 23, 2023

Phosphorus is obtained from bone ash and from phosphate rock which is widely distributed over the surface of the earth.

From General Science by Clark, Bertha M.

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