phosphorate

[ fos-fuh-reyt ]

verb (used with object)

, phos·pho·rat·ed, phos·pho·rat·ing.

1. Also Chemistry. to combine or impregnate with phosphorus.
2. to cause to have phosphorescence.

phosphorate

/ ˈfɒsfəˌreɪt /

verb

1. to treat or combine with phosphorus
2. rare.
   tr to cause (a substance) to exhibit phosphorescence

Word History and Origins

Origin of phosphorate¹

1780–90; phosphor- or phosphor + -ate ¹