Phosphorus
['fɒsf(ə)rəs] or ['fɑsfərəs]
Definition
(noun.) 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.
Typed by Amalia--From WordNet
Definition
(n.) The morning star; Phosphor.
(n.) 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.
(n.) Hence, any substance which shines in the dark like phosphorus, as certain phosphorescent bodies.
Inputed by Eunice
Synonyms and Synonymous
n. [Poetical.] The morning star, Lucifer, Venus.
Checked by Adelaide
Definition
n. the morning-star: a yellowish substance like wax inflammable and giving out light in the dark.—n. Phos′phate a salt formed by the combination of phosphoric acid with a base.—adj. Phosphat′ic of the nature of or containing a phosphate.—ns. Phos′phide a compound formed of phosphorus and some other element as copper or iron; Phos′phite a salt of phosphorous acid; Phos′phor the morning-star: (obs.) phosphorus.—v.t. Phos′phorate to combine or impregnate with phosphorus.—n. Phos′phor-bronze an alloy of copper tin and phosphorus.—v.i. Phosphoresce′ to shine in the dark like phosphorus.—n. Phosphoresc′ence.—adjs. Phosphoresc′ent shining in the dark like phosphorus; Phosphor′ic Phos′phorous pertaining to or obtained from phosphorus.—ns. Phos′phorite a massive radiated variety of apatite; Phos′phuret a compound of phosphorus with a metal.—adj. Phos′phuretted combined with phosphorus.—n. Phos′sy-jaw phosphorous poisoning.—Phosphatic diathesis (med.) the condition in which there is a tendency in the urine to deposit white gravel.
Typist: Sophie
Unserious Contents or Definition
To dream of seeing phosphorus, is indicative of evanescent joys. For a young woman, it foretells a brilliant but brief success with admirers.
Edited by Cecilia
Examples
- Commercial fertilizers generally contain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash in amounts varying with the requirements of the soil. Bertha M. Clark. General Science.
- In many factories where phosphorus is used without great care workmen have been greatly affected thereby. William Henry Doolittle. Inventions in the Century.
- Obviously, at each step the percentage of felspar and phosphorus is less and less until in the final concentrates the percentage of iron oxide is 91 to 93 per cent. Frank Lewis Dyer. Edison, His Life and Inventions.
- The latest improvement in chemical matches is the Vesta, which consists of small wax, or stearine tapers, with an igniting composition at the end, consisting of chlorate of potass and phosphorus. Frederick C. Bakewell. Great Facts.
- In 1833 phosphorus friction matches were introduced on a commercial scale by Preschel, of Vienna. Edward W. Byrn. The Progress of Invention in the Nineteenth Century.
- No cure has yet been found for this peculiar disease, occasioned by the phosphorus in the state in which it is commonly used. Frederick C. Bakewell. Great Facts.
- In this country, it is calculated that eight tons of phosphorus are yearly used in making matches, the number of which is stated to be 40,000,000 a day. Frederick C. Bakewell. Great Facts.
- The phosphorus in burning unites with the oxygen of the air and hence the gas that remains in the jar is chiefly nitrogen. Bertha M. Clark. General Science.
- In these were found large quantities of iron, considerable percentages of nickel, as well as cobalt, copper, silicon, phosphorus, c arbon, magnesium, zinc, and manganese. Walter Libby. An Introduction to the History of Science.
- Phosphorus and brimstone matches were first employed for the purpose. Frederick C. Bakewell. Great Facts.
- Once a bottle of phosphorus upset and started a fire. Rupert S. Holland. Historic Inventions.
- Product, low phosphorus, Bessemer and basic, or high phosphorus machine-cast pig iron. Various. The Wonder Book of Knowledge.
- Plants need other foods besides nitrogen, and they exhaust the soil not only of nitrogen, but also of phosphorus and potash, since large quantities of these are necessary for plant life. Bertha M. Clark. General Science.
- Unless the head of the match is rubbed on the prepared phosphorus coating, ignition does not occur, and accidental fires are avoided. Bertha M. Clark. General Science.
- Their composition is an emulsion of phosphorus with glue, nitre, and some colouring matters. Frederick C. Bakewell. Great Facts.
Typist: Phil