phosphonium

noun

phos·​pho·​ni·​um fäs-ˈfō-nē-əm How to pronounce phosphonium (audio)
: a monovalent cation PH4+ analogous to ammonium and derived from phosphine
also : an organic derivative of phosphonium (such as (C2H5)4P+)

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of phosphonium was in 1859

Dictionary Entries Near phosphonium

Cite this Entry

“Phosphonium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phosphonium. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

phosphonium

noun
phos·​pho·​ni·​um fäs-ˈfō-nē-əm How to pronounce phosphonium (audio)
: a monovalent cation PH4+ analogous to ammonium and derived from phosphine
also : an organic derivative of phosphonium (as (C2H5)4P+)
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!