phosphorous

adjective

phos·​pho·​rous ˈfäs-f(ə-)rəs  fäs-ˈfȯr-əs 

: of, relating to, or containing phosphorus especially with a valence lower than in phosphoric compounds

Word History

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing phosphorous

• phosphorous acid

Medical Definition

phosphorous

adjective

phos·​pho·​rous ˈfäs-f(ə-)rəs; fäs-ˈfōr-əs  -ˈfȯr- 

: of, relating to, or containing phosphorus especially with a valence lower than in phosphoric compounds