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phosphorus

/'fɔsfərəs/
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Definition:

Phosphorus is a noun that refers to a chemical element. It is a nonmetal and is part of the nitrogen family on the periodic table. Phosphorus is very reactive, which means it can easily combine with other elements. It is commonly found in nature, especially in rocks (called phosphate rocks) and in all living cells, where it plays an important role in life processes.

Usage Instructions:
  • General Use: When you talk about phosphorus in a scientific context, you might discuss its role in fertilizers, DNA, and other biological processes.
  • Everyday Context: You might hear phosphorus mentioned in discussions about agriculture or environmental science.
Example Sentence:
  • "Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for plants, helping them grow strong and healthy."
Advanced Usage:

In more advanced discussions, phosphorus can be involved in chemistry, biology, and environmental science. You might hear about its various forms (allotropes), such as white phosphorus and red phosphorus, which have different properties and uses.

Word Variants:
  • Phosphate (noun): A compound that contains phosphorus and is important for plants and animals. For example, "The soil was rich in phosphates, making it ideal for farming."
  • Phosphoric (adjective): Relating to phosphorus, often used in chemistry. For example, "Phosphoric acid is used in many food products."
Different Meaning:

While "phosphorus" primarily refers to the chemical element, in some contexts, it can also refer to the planet Venus when it appears in the sky just before sunrise.

Synonyms:

There are no direct synonyms for phosphorus as it is a specific chemical element, but you might hear related terms like "phosphate" when discussing its compounds.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs specifically related to phosphorus, but in scientific writing, you might encounter phrases like "react with phosphorus" or "supply phosphorus."

Summary:

Phosphorus is a crucial element for life, found in many forms and plays a significant role in agriculture and biology.

Noun
  1. a planet (usually Venus) seen just before sunrise in the eastern sky
  2. 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

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