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phos·pho·rus
 phosphorus
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- pronunciation:
- fas
f
rs
- features:
- Word Combinations (noun), Word Explorer, Word Parts
| part of speech: |
noun |
| definition 1: |
a chemical element that has fifteen protons in each nucleus, that is found naturally only in compounds, esp. biologically essential compounds such as calcium phosphates and nucleotide phosphates, and that can be isolated in various allotropic forms, one of which is a poisonous whitish yellow solid that is luminous at room temperature because of slow oxidation. (symbol: P)
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| definition 2: |
any substance that is luminous because of slow oxidation or exposure to radiation of certain activating wave lengths; phosphorescent substance.
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