noun
Uncommon
phosphorus
FOS-fuh-ruhs
Phosphorus (noun) means a chemical element (symbol P, atomic number 15) that exists in several forms, some of which glow or ignite easily. Example: “Phosphorus is a key ingredient in matches and fertilizers.”
noun
1
A chemical element (symbol P, atomic number 15) that exists in several forms, some of which glow or ignite easily.
"Phosphorus is a key ingredient in matches and fertilizers."
How to use phosphorus
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA chemical element known for glowing or burning easily, essential to living cells and used in fertilizers and matches.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Plural
- phosphoruses, phosphori
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ is a key ingredient in matches and fertilizers.
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin phosphorus, from Greek phosphoros, "bearer of light" — originally a name for the morning star, the planet Venus seen before sunrise.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for phosphorus
See all rhymes for phosphorus →Frequently asked questions
What does “phosphorus” mean?
The word “phosphorus” means a chemical element (symbol P, atomic number 15) that exists in several forms, some of which glow or ignite easily. In plain terms, a chemical element known for glowing or burning easily, essential to living cells and used in fertilizers and matches.
How do you pronounce “phosphorus”?
“Phosphorus” is pronounced FOS-fuh-ruhs (/ˈfɑs.fɚ.əs/ in IPA).
How do you use “phosphorus” in a sentence?
Here is “phosphorus” used in a sentence: “Phosphorus is a key ingredient in matches and fertilizers.”
What part of speech is “phosphorus”?
“Phosphorus” is a noun.
Where does the word “phosphorus” come from?
The word “phosphorus” comes from Latin. Borrowed from Latin phosphorus, from Greek phosphoros, "bearer of light" — originally a name for the morning star, the planet Venus seen before sunrise.
Is “phosphorus” a common word?
“Phosphorus” is an uncommon word in modern English.
