phosphate
Phosphate (noun) means a chemical compound derived from phosphoric acid, widely used in fertilizers and found in living cells. Example: “Farmers spread phosphate fertilizer on the fields every spring.”
How to use phosphate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA phosphorus-based compound, most often thought of as a fertilizer ingredient or (in the US) an old-style flavored soda.
Word forms
phosphated past tense, phosphates plural, phosphates singular
Fill the gap
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Farmers spread _____ fertilizer on the fields every spring.
Etymology
Borrowed from French phosphate, formed from "phosphoric acid" plus the chemical suffix "-ate," which denotes a salt or ester.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for phosphate
See all rhymes for phosphate →Frequently asked questions
What does “phosphate” mean?
The word “phosphate” means a chemical compound derived from phosphoric acid, widely used in fertilizers and found in living cells. In plain terms, a phosphorus-based compound, most often thought of as a fertilizer ingredient or (in the US) an old-style flavored soda.
How do you pronounce “phosphate”?
“Phosphate” is pronounced FOS-fayt (/ˈfɑsfeɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “phosphate” in a sentence?
Here is “phosphate” used in a sentence: “Farmers spread phosphate fertilizer on the fields every spring.”
What part of speech is “phosphate”?
“Phosphate” is a noun.
Where does the word “phosphate” come from?
The word “phosphate” comes from French. Borrowed from French phosphate, formed from "phosphoric acid" plus the chemical suffix "-ate," which denotes a salt or ester.
Is “phosphate” a common word?
“Phosphate” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “phosphate” have?
“Phosphate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a chemical compound derived from phosphoric acid, widely used in fertilizers and found in living cells.