phosphorous

American  

[fos-fer-uhs, fos-fawr-uhs, -fohr-] / ˈfɒs fər əs, fɒsˈfɔr əs, -ˈfoʊr- /

adjective

Chemistry.

1. containing trivalent phosphorus.

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phosphorous British  

/ ˈfɒsfərəs /

adjective

1. of or containing phosphorus in the trivalent state

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Other Word Forms

• nonphosphorous adjective

Etymology

Origin of phosphorous

First recorded in 1770–80; phosphor- + -ous

Example Sentences

The report from environment groups Size of Wales and WWF Cymru says the soy is high in phosphorous, and becomes a pollutant when animal manure spread on land runs off into rivers.

From BBC

The microbes multiply as they consume the hydrogen, the carbon dioxide, and a few additional nutrients, such as calcium and phosphorous.

From Salon

He accused Israel of using white phosphorous among other ammunition and of wanting to render the area barren and abandoned.

From BBC

He says Israel fired white phosphorous shells at his land in the village of al-Bustan every day for over a month, robbing him of breath, and his livelihood.

From BBC

Fertilisers – like chicken manure - add additional nutrients like phosphorous and nitrogen to rivers.

From BBC