noun
phosphorus
FAHS-fur-us/ˈfɑːsfərəs/
A reactive chemical element essential to living cells.
The sealed vial contains a laboratory sample of red phosphorus.
Etymology
The image is a ‘light-bearer.’ The name first covered substances or organisms that shone of themselves, then narrowed to the glowing chemical element.
In context
there are molecules such as ATP that contain phosphorus uh this is the three phosphate groups that can be hydrolyzed to release energy
More examples
- Phosphorus is an essential component of DNA.
- White phosphorus is stored under water to prevent contact with air.
- Excess phosphorus from fertilizers can encourage algae growth in lakes.
Forms
phosphorus
phosphoric adjective — Relating to phosphorus or its compounds.