phosphorous

[fos-fer-uhs, fos-fawr-uhs, -fohr-]

adjective

Chemistry.

1. containing trivalent phosphorus.

phosphorous

/ ˈfɒsfərəs /

adjective

1. of or containing phosphorus in the trivalent state

Other Word Forms

• nonphosphorous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of phosphorous¹

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

Example Sentences

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

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

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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.

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

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But even if your porridge is made with water, oats are a good source of manganese, phosphorous and zinc, as it is.

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