phosphorus

[ fos-fer-uhs ]

noun,plural phos·pho·ri [fos-fuh-rahy]. /ˈfɒs fəˌraɪ/.
  1. Chemistry. a solid, nonmetallic element existing in at least three allotropic forms, one that is yellow, poisonous, flammable, and luminous in the dark, one that is red, less poisonous, and less flammable, and another that is black, insoluble in most solvents, and the least flammable. The element is used in forming smoke screens, its compounds are used in matches and phosphate fertilizers, and it is a necessary constituent of plant and animal life in bones, nerves, and embryos. Symbol: P; atomic weight: 30.974; atomic number: 15; specific gravity: (yellow) 1.82 at 20°C, (red) 2.20 at 20°C, (black) 2.25–2.69 at 20°C.

  2. any phosphorescent substance.

Origin of phosphorus

1
1620–30; <New Latin phōsphorus phosphorus;Latin: morning star; see Phosphor

Words Nearby phosphorus

Other definitions for Phosphorus (2 of 2)

Phosphorus
[ fos-fer-uhs ]

noun

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How to use phosphorus in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for phosphorus (1 of 2)

phosphorus

/ (ˈfɒsfərəs) /


noun
  1. an allotropic nonmetallic element occurring in phosphates and living matter. Ordinary phosphorus is a toxic flammable phosphorescent white solid; the red form is less reactive and nontoxic: used in matches, pesticides, and alloys. The radioisotope phosphorus-32 (radiophosphorus), with a half-life of 14.3 days, is used in radiotherapy and as a tracer. Symbol: P; atomic no: 15; atomic wt: 30.973 762; valency: 3 or 5; relative density: 1.82 (white), 2.20 (red); melting pt: 44.1°C (white); boiling pt: 280°C (white)

  2. a less common name for a phosphor

Origin of phosphorus

1
C17: via Latin from Greek phōsphoros light-bringing, from phōs light + pherein to bring

British Dictionary definitions for Phosphorus (2 of 2)

Phosphorus

/ (ˈfɒsfərəs) /


noun
  1. a morning star, esp Venus

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for phosphorus

phosphorus

[ fŏsfər-əs ]


P
  1. A highly reactive, poisonous nonmetallic element occurring naturally in phosphates, especially in the mineral apatite. It exists in white (or sometimes yellow), red, and black forms, and is an essential component of protoplasm. Phosphorus is used to make matches, fireworks, and fertilizers and to protect metal surfaces from corrosion. Atomic number 15; atomic weight 30.9738; melting point (white) 44.1°C; boiling point 280°C; specific gravity (white) 1.82; valence 3, 5. See Periodic Table.

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