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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Normal tau becomes phosphorylated as molecular phosphate groups are attached, which changes the protein's structure. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024 Twenty-two of the state’s 25 phosphate waste piles, several owned by industry powerhouse Mosaic (MOS), were in Milton’s path. Ayurella Horn-Muller / Grist, Quartz, 24 Oct. 2024 Aluminum-containing antacids could lead to low magnesium, constipation, anemia, and low phosphate levels. Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 21 Oct. 2024 The startup uses lithium-iron phosphate cells, sourced from a Chinese manufacturer, while other battery components are imported from Europe. João Medeiros, WIRED, 14 Oct. 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 13 Nov. 2024.

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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