phosphate rock

noun

1. phosphorite.

Word History and Origins

Origin of phosphate rock¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

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

From Project Gutenberg

But we were not looking for phosphate rock or goldfish; we were simply looking for ripe mullet.

From Project Gutenberg

Bound for Norfolk, Virginia, with a cargo of phosphate rock.

From Project Gutenberg

It is uncertain whether the placer or lode law applies to the Government phosphate rock.

From Project Gutenberg

Doubtless the commercial phosphate rock owes its origin to similar bacterial action in ages past.

From Project Gutenberg