phosphorus
noun
phos·pho·rus
ˈfäs-f(ə-)rəs 
often attributive
1
: a phosphorescent substance or body
especially
: one that shines or glows in the dark
2
or less commonly phosphorous
: a nonmetallic element of the nitrogen family with atomic number 15 that occurs widely in combination especially as phosphates, that is essential for life in all known organisms, and that is used especially in fertilizers and organophosphorus compounds see Chemical Elements Table
Examples of phosphorus in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In the beginning, use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer for the seedlings before switching to one with phosphorus and potassium after the plants have started to sprout.
—
Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 3 June 2025
Greek yogurt is packed with nutrients essential to health, including protein, B vitamins, selenium, phosphorus, calcium, and zinc.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 2 June 2025
Additionally mushrooms contain minerals such as potassium, selenium, phosphorus, and magnesium, as well as B vitamins and antioxidants.
—Christina Pérez, Vogue, 27 May 2025
May Support Female Reproductive Health The seeds' rich amounts of vitamin E, folate, phosphorus, and healthy fats are crucial for fetal development and maternal health.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for phosphorus
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Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 3 June 2025
Greek yogurt is packed with nutrients essential to health, including protein, B vitamins, selenium, phosphorus, calcium, and zinc.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 2 June 2025
Additionally mushrooms contain minerals such as potassium, selenium, phosphorus, and magnesium, as well as B vitamins and antioxidants.
—Christina Pérez, Vogue, 27 May 2025
May Support Female Reproductive Health The seeds' rich amounts of vitamin E, folate, phosphorus, and healthy fats are crucial for fetal development and maternal health.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for phosphorus
Cite this Entry
“Phosphorus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phosphorus. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
phosphorus
noun
phos·pho·rus
ˈfäs-f(ə-)rəs
1
: a phosphorescent substance
especially
: one that glows in the dark
2
: a nonmetallic element that occurs widely especially as phosphates see element
phosphoric
adjective
fäs-ˈfȯr-ik
-ˈfär-
phosphorous
adjective
ˈfäs-f(ə-)rəs;
fäs-ˈfōr-əs
-ˈfȯr-
Medical Definition
phosphorus
noun
phos·pho·rus
ˈfäs-f(ə-)rəs
often attributive
: a nonmetallic multivalent element that occurs widely in combined form especially as inorganic phosphates in minerals, soils, natural waters, bones, and teeth and as organic phosphates in all living cells and that exists in several allotropic forms
—symbol P
see Chemical Elements Table
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