Definition of phosphorus Phosphorus

/fɑˈsfɚʌs/ - [fasferus] - Phos•pho•rus

We found 11 definitions of phosphorus from 7 different sources.

What does phosphorus mean?

Noun Plural: phosphori
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
		P, atomic number 15
		chemical element, element the most favorable environment for a plant or animal; "water is the element of fishes"
		apatite a common complex mineral consisting of calcium fluoride phosphate or calcium chloride phosphate; a source of phosphorus
phosphorus - a planet (usually Venus) seen just before sunrise in the eastern sky
		morning star, daystar, Phosphorus, Lucifer

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phosphorus (Noun)
A chemical element symbol P with an atomic number of 15, that exists in several allotropic forms.
phosphorus (Noun)
Any substance exhibiting phosphorescence; a phosphor.

phosphorus (n.)
The morning star; Phosphor.
phosphorus (n.)
A poisonous nonmetallic element of the nitrogen group, obtained as a white, or yellowish, translucent waxy substance, having a characteristic disagreeable smell. It is very active chemically, must be preserved under water, and unites with oxygen even at ordinary temperatures, giving a faint glow, -- whence its name. It always occurs compined, usually in phosphates, as in the mineral apatite, in bones, etc. It is used in the composition on the tips of friction matches, and for many other purposes. The molecule contains four atoms. Symbol P. Atomic weight 31.0.
phosphorus (n.)
Hence, any substance which shines in the dark like phosphorus, as certain phosphorescent bodies.

phosphorus
A nonmetallic element used to manufacture phosphoric acid, in phosphor bronzes, incendiaries, pyrotechnics, matches, and rat poisons; the white or yellow allotrope is a soft waxy solid, soluble in carbon disulfide, insoluble in water and alcohol, and is poisonous and self-igniting in air; the red allotrope is an amorphous powder, insoluble in all solvents and is nonpoisonous; the black allotrope comprises lustrous crystals similar to graphite, and is insoluble in most solvents.

phosphorus
fos′fō-rus, n. the morning-star: a yellowish substance, like wax, inflammable and giving out light in the dark.—n. Phos′phate, a salt formed by the combination of phosphoric acid with a base.—adj. Phosphat′ic, of the nature of, or containing, a phosphate.—ns. Phos′phide, a compound formed of phosphorus and some other element, as copper or iron; Phos′phite, a salt of phosphorous acid; Phos′phor, the morning-star: (obs.) phosphorus.—v.t. Phos′phorate, to combine or impregnate with phosphorus.—n. Phos′phor-bronze, an alloy of copper, tin, and phosphorus.—v.i. Phosphoresce′, to shine in the dark like phosphorus.—n. Phosphoresc′ence.—adjs. Phosphoresc′ent, shining in the dark like phosphorus; Phosphor′ic, Phos′phorous, pertaining to or obtained from phosphorus.—ns. Phos′phorite, a massive radiated variety of apatite; Phos′phuret, a compound of phosphorus with a metal.—adj. Phos′phuretted, combined with phosphorus.—n. Phos′sy-jaw, phosphorous poisoning.—Phosphatic diathesis (med.), the condition in which there is a tendency in the urine to deposit white gravel. [L.,—Gr.,—phōsphoros, light-bearer—phōs, light, phoros, bearing, from pherein, to bear.]

Phosphorus has the chemical symbol P, and its atomic number is 15.

Phosphorus is commonly misspelled "phosphorous". It is an essential component of living systems and is found in nervous tissue, bones and cell protoplasm. Phosphorus exists in several allotropic forms including white (or yellow), red, and black (or violet). White phosphorus has two modifications. Ordinary phosphorus is a waxy white solid. When pure, it is colourless and transparent. It is insoluble in water, but soluble in carbon disulphide. It catches fire spontaneously in air, burning to P4O10, often misnamed as diphosphorus pentoxide. When exposed to sunlight, or when heated in its own vapour to 250°C, it is converted to the red variety. This form does not ignite spontaneously and it is a little less dangerous than white phosphorus. The red modification is fairly stable and sublimes with a vapor pressure of 1 atmosphere at 417°C.