phossy jaw

British  

/ ˈfɒsɪ /

noun

1. a gangrenous condition of the lower jawbone caused by prolonged exposure to phosphorus fumes

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Etymology

Origin of phossy jaw

C19: phossy, colloquial shortening of _phosphorus

Example Sentences

In “Match Girl,” the speaker asks, of her little sister, But how can someone younger than me have osteoporosis, and sit googling up a substance that might help it, or give her phossy jaw?

From The New Yorker • Oct. 1, 2015

I don’t want any articles on phossy jaw, and if I did, I wouldn’t want his.”

From A Collection of Stories, Reviews and Essays by Cather, Willa Sibert

What is that fellow who writes about phossy jaw still hanging round here for?

From A Collection of Stories, Reviews and Essays by Cather, Willa Sibert

Phosphorus in some forms is a poison whether taken in solid compounds or inhaled in fumes, producing phossy jaw.

From Maintaining Health Formerly Health and Efficiency by Alsaker, R. L.

Third Scene This gloomy place need not be a mine: it might just as well be a match-factory, with yellow phosphorus, phossy jaw, a large dividend, and plenty of clergymen shareholders.

From The Perfect Wagnerite, Commentary on the Ring by Shaw, Bernard