Phosphorus: meaning, definitions and examples
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phosphorus
[ ˈfɒsfərəs ]
chemical element
Phosphorus is a chemical element with the symbol P and atomic number 15. It is a nonmetal that plays a vital role in biological processes and is essential for life. Phosphorus is found in nature primarily as phosphate, which is critical for plant growth and cellular function. It exists in several allotropic forms, including white, red, and black phosphorus, each with distinct properties. Phosphorus compounds are widely used in fertilizers, detergents, and some types of glass.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Phosphorus is crucial for DNA synthesis.
- Agriculture relies heavily on phosphorus fertilizers.
- Some forms of phosphorus can be toxic.
- Phosphorus is essential in energy transfer in cells.
Translations
Translations of the word "phosphorus" in other languages:
🇵🇹 fósforo
🇮🇳 फास्फोरस
🇩🇪 Phosphor
🇮🇩 fosfor
🇺🇦 фосфор
🇵🇱 fosfor
🇯🇵 リン
🇫🇷 phosphore
🇪🇸 fósforo
🇹🇷 fosfor
🇰🇷 인
🇸🇦 الفوسفور
🇨🇿 fosfor
🇸🇰 fosfor
🇨🇳 磷
🇸🇮 fosfor
🇮🇸 fosfór
🇰🇿 фосфор
🇬🇪 ფოსფორი
🇦🇿 fosfor
🇲🇽 fósforo
Etymology
The name 'phosphorus' is derived from the Greek word 'phosphoros', meaning 'light-bringer', a reference to the element's ability to glow in the dark. Phosphorus was first discovered in 1669 by Hennig Brand, a German alchemist, who extracted it from urine, leading to its initial association with the human body. Over time, this element was found to be vital for all living organisms, and its role in biology became clearer. The name is also linked to its appearance; white phosphorus glows faintly in the dark, which reflects the ancient Greeks' perceptions of the element. In the 19th century, phosphorus was recognized for its importance in agriculture, particularly in the form of phosphate, and continues to be a critical component in fertilizers. Today, phosphorus is produced from phosphate rock and is essential for food production and various industrial processes.