Phosphorus Definition

fŏsfər-əs
noun
A highly reactive, poisonous, nonmetallic element occurring naturally in phosphates, especially apatite, and existing in three allotropic forms, white (or sometimes yellow), red, and black (or violet). An essential element for biological cells, it is used in safety matches, pyrotechnics, incendiary shells, and fertilizers and to protect metal surfaces from corrosion. Atomic number 15; atomic weight 30.9738; melting point (white) 44.15°C; boiling point 280.5°C; specific gravity (white) 1.82, (red) 2.16, (black) 2.25 to 2.69; valence 3, 4, 5.
American Heritage
A phosphorescent substance.
American Heritage
A phosphorescent substance.
American Heritage

(chemistry) A chemical element (symbol P) with an atomic number of 15, that exists in several allotropic forms.

Wiktionary

(physics) The only stable isotope of phosphorus, 3115P, having fifteen protons and sixteen neutrons.

Wiktionary
Synonyms:
pronoun

A name sometimes used for Hesperus, the personification in Greek mythology of the planet Venus.

Wiktionary
An ancient Greek name for the morning star (the planet Venus when it is visible in the eastern sky before sunrise).
Wiktionary

Origin of Phosphorus

  • Modern Latin phōsphorus substance or organism that emits light, phosphorus Latin Phōsphorus morning star from Greek phōsphoros bringing light, morning star phōs light bhā-1 in Indo-European roots -phoros -phorous

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • Modern Latin phōsphorus substance or organism that emits light, phosphorus Latin Phōsphorus morning star from Greek phōsphoros bringing light, morning star phōs light bhā-1 in Indo-European roots -phoros -phorous

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • Borrowing from Latin phōsphorus, from Ancient Greek φωσφόρος (phōsphoros, “the bearer of light"), from φῶς (phōs, “light") + φέρω (pherō, “to bear, to carry").

    From Wiktionary

  • From Latinised Greek Phosphorus, from Ancient Greek Φωσφόρος (Fōsforos, “the bearer of light"), from φῶς (fōs, “light") + φέρω (pherō, “I bear, carry").

    From Wiktionary

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