phosphorus

phos·pho·rus  (fsfr-s)

n.

1. Symbol P 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. An essential constituent of protoplasm, 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) 44.1°C; boiling point 280°C; specific gravity (white) 1.82; valence 3, 5. See Table at element.

2. A phosphorescent substance.

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[Latin Phsphorus, morning star, from Greek phsphoros, bringing light, morning star : phs, light; see bh-¹ in Indo-European roots + -phoros, -phorous.]

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phosphorus

Noun

Chem a toxic flammable nonmetallic element which appears luminous in the dark. It exists in two forms, white and red Symbol: P[Greek phōsphoros light-bringing]

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phosphorus  (fsfr-s)

Symbol P

A highly reactive, poisonous nonmetallic element occurring naturally in phosphates, especially in the mineral apatite. It exists in white (or sometimes yellow), red, and black forms, and is an essential component of protoplasm. Phosphorus is used to make matches, fireworks, and fertilizers and to protect metal surfaces from corrosion. Atomic number 15; atomic weight 30.9738; melting point (white) 44.1°C; boiling point 280°C; specific gravity (white) 1.82; valence 3, 5. See Periodic Table.

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	phosphorus - a multivalent nonmetallic element of the nitrogen family that occurs commonly in inorganic phosphate rocks and as organic phosphates in all living cells; is highly reactive and occurs in several allotropic forms atomic number 15, P chemical element, element - any of the more than 100 known substances (of which 92 occur naturally) that cannot be separated into simpler substances and that singly or in combination constitute all matter apatite - a common complex mineral consisting of calcium fluoride phosphate or calcium chloride phosphate; a source of phosphorus
	2.	Phosphorus - a planet (usually Venus) seen just before sunrise in the eastern sky daystar, morning star, Lucifer major planet, planet - (astronomy) any of the nine large celestial bodies in the solar system that revolve around the sun and shine by reflected light; Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto in order of their proximity to the sun; viewed from the constellation Hercules, all the planets rotate around the sun in a counterclockwise direction

Translations

phosphorus [ˈfɔsfərəs] n → fósforo

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phosphorus [ˈfɔsfərəs] n → phosphore m

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phosphorus [ˈfɔsfərəs] n → Phosphor m

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phosphorus [ˈfɔsfərəs] n → fosforo