phosphorus

noun, phos·pho·rus often attributive \ˈfäs-f(ə-)rəs\

chemistry : a poisonous chemical element that glows in the dark and burns when it is touched by air

Full Definition of PHOSPHORUS

: a phosphorescent substance or body; especially : one that shines or glows in the dark

also phos·pho·rous \same\ : a nonmetallic element of the nitrogen family that occurs widely especially as phosphates — see element table

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Origin of PHOSPHORUS

New Latin, from Greek phōsphoros light-bearing — more at phosphor

First Known Use: 1645

PHOSPHORUS Defined for Kids

phosphorus

noun phos·pho·rus \ˈfäs-fə-rəs\

Definition of PHOSPHORUS for Kids

: a white or yellowish waxy chemical element that gives a faint glow in moist air

Medical Dictionary

phosphorus

noun , phos·pho·rus often attrib \ˈfäs-f(ə-)rəs\

Medical Definition of PHOSPHORUS

: a nonmetallic multivalent element that occurs widely in combined form especially as inorganic phosphates in minerals, soils, natural waters, bones, and teeth and as organic phosphates in all living cells and that exists in several allotropic forms—symbol P; see element table