phosphate

[fos-feyt]

noun

1. Chemistry.

   1. (loosely) a salt or ester of phosphoric acid.

   2. a tertiary salt of orthophosphoric acid, as sodium phosphate.

2. Agriculture.,  a fertilizing material containing compounds of phosphorus.

3. a carbonated drink of water and fruit syrup containing a little phosphoric acid.

phosphate

/ ˈfɒsfeɪt, fɒsˈfætɪk /

noun

1. any salt or ester of any phosphoric acid, esp a salt of orthophosphoric acid

2. (often plural) any of several chemical fertilizers containing phosphorous compounds

phosphate

1. A salt or ester of phosphoric acid, containing the group PO ₄. Phosphates are important in metabolism and are frequently used in fertilizers.

Other Word Forms

• phosphatic adjective
• subphosphate noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of phosphate¹

First recorded in 1785–95; phosph- + -ate ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of phosphate¹

C18: from French phosphat; see _phosphorus , _-ate ¹

Example Sentences

Over time, this scaffold continues to attract calcium and phosphate ions, leading to the growth of a protective enamel-like coating around the tooth, according to researchers.

From BBC

The cancelled tests are for so-called inorganic pollutants - substances such as nitrates and phosphates that can indicate sewage or agricultural pollution.

From BBC

Last week, the FDA approved three natural color additives — calcium phosphate, Galdieria extract blue and butterfly pea flower extract — to replace them.

From Los Angeles Times

“The phosphate market remains tight, and while tariffs could disrupt trade flows, they cannot create more phosphate supply,” CEO Bruce Bodine said on a conference call with investors.

From Los Angeles Times

The FDA is instead encouraging the use of so-called natural food dyes such as gardenia blue and calcium phosphate.

From Los Angeles Times