phosphate

noun

phos·​phate ˈfäs-ˌfāt 

1

a(1)

: a salt or ester of a phosphoric acid

(2)

: the trivalent anion PO₄³⁻ derived from phosphoric acid H₃PO₄

b

: an organic compound of phosphoric acid in which the acid group is bound to nitrogen or a carboxyl group in a way that permits useful energy to be released (as in metabolism)

2

: an effervescent drink of carbonated water with a small amount of phosphoric acid flavored with fruit syrup

3

: a phosphatic material used for fertilizers

Examples of phosphate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The lithium iron phosphate battery is designed to last up to 120 minutes, and can cover up to 1,300 square feet on a single charge. —Alicia Geigel, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 June 2024

Control snails, slugs and roly-polies (aka pill bugs) with Sluggo Plus, an iron phosphate product that is not toxic to birds, mammals (including us), caterpillars, butterflies, etc. —Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 June 2024

Also, keep in mind that this supplement’s phosphate form may not impact calcium levels as well as calcium citrate. —Casey Seiden, Parents, 30 May 2024

Most of the EVs currently on the road are equipped with nickel, manganese, and cobalt (NMC) batteries, but an increasing number now come with a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. —Larry Magid, The Mercury News, 30 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

French, from acide phosphorique phosphoric acid

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Phrases Containing phosphate

• ammonium phosphate
• calcium phosphate
• creatine phosphate
• diammonium phosphate
• disodium phosphate
• glucose phosphate
• glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase
• nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate
• phosphate rock
• trisodium phosphate

Kids Definition

phosphate

noun

phos·​phate ˈfäs-ˌfāt 

1

: a salt of a phosphoric acid

2

: a drink made of carbonated water and fruit syrup with a little phosphoric acid added for tang

Medical Definition

phosphate

noun

phos·​phate ˈfäs-ˌfāt 

1

a

: a salt or ester of a phosphoric acid

b

: the trivalent anion PO₄³⁻ derived from phosphoric acid H₃PO₄

2

: an organic compound of phosphoric acid in which the acid group is bound to nitrogen or a carboxyl group in a way that permits useful energy to be released (as in metabolism)