phosphate

noun

phos·​phate ˈfäs-ˌfāt How to pronounce phosphate (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Chinese companies also switched to lithium iron phosphate batteries, known as LFP batteries, which are safer and cheaper—although slightly lower energy density—than the lithium nickel manganese cobalt batteries preferred by Western companies. Jessica Bateman, WIRED, 7 Jan. 2025 Lithium-iron phosphate batteries will continue dominating the market due to affordability and high safety profile. Energy Innovation: Policy and Technology, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025 Trump’s policies also position Tesla better with its lower EV cost structure relative to peers and leaves the company well-positioned to outgrow global LVP electric vehicles — or cars that use a lithium vanadium phosphate battery — with its more profitable EV plans, Rakesh said. Pia Singh, CNBC, 17 Dec. 2024 The antioxidant is formed by a simple group of small molecules called metabolites, including manganese, phosphate and a small peptide, or molecule, of amino acids. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 11 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for phosphate 

Word History

Etymology

French, from acide phosphorique phosphoric acid

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of phosphate was in 1788

Dictionary Entries Near phosphate

Cite this Entry

“Phosphate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phosphate. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

phosphate

noun
phos·​phate ˈfäs-ˌfāt How to pronounce phosphate (audio)
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 How to pronounce phosphate (audio)
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)

More from Merriam-Webster on phosphate

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