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1. (n.) phosphorus
a nonmetallic element existing in yellow, red, and black allotropic forms and an essential constituent of plant and animal tissue: used, in combined form, in matches and fertilizers.
2. phosphorus
any phosphorescent substance.
Etymology: (1620–30; < NL phōsphorus, L: morning star; see phosphor)
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| Definition of 'phosphorus' |
Princeton's WordNet |
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1. (noun) phosphorus, P, atomic number 15
a multivalent nonmetallic element of the nitrogen family that occurs commonly in inorganic phosphate rocks and as organic phosphates in all living cells; is highly reactive and occurs in several allotropic forms
2. (noun) morning star, daystar, Phosphorus, Lucifer
a planet (usually Venus) seen just before sunrise in the eastern sky
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| Definition of 'phosphorus' |
Webster Dictionary |
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1. (noun) phosphorus
the morning star; Phosphor
2. (noun) phosphorus
a poisonous nonmetallic element of the nitrogen group, obtained as a white, or yellowish, translucent waxy substance, having a characteristic disagreeable smell. It is very active chemically, must be preserved under water, and unites with oxygen even at ordinary temperatures, giving a faint glow, -- whence its name. It always occurs compined, usually in phosphates, as in the mineral apatite, in bones, etc. It is used in the composition on the tips of friction matches, and for many other purposes. The molecule contains four atoms. Symbol P. Atomic weight 31.0
3. (noun) phosphorus
hence, any substance which shines in the dark like phosphorus, as certain phosphorescent bodies
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| Definition of 'phosphorus' |
U.S. National Library of Medicine |
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1. phosphorus
A non-metal element that has the atomic symbol P, atomic number 15, and atomic weight 31. It is an essential element that takes part in a broad variety of biochemical reactions.
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Definitions of phosphorus 
