phosphate

/'fɔsfeit/

Thân thiện

A scientist adds a phosphate solution to a test tube.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A salt or ester of phosphoric acid: A chemical compound containing phosphorus and oxygen, often combined with other elements, that is essential for biological processes and has various industrial applications.
   • A carbonated soft drink containing phosphoric acid: (Informal, dated) A beverage, such as a soda, that uses phosphoric acid as an acidulant.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Calcium phosphate is a key mineral in bones and teeth.
  • The scientist added a phosphate buffer to the solution to maintain its pH.
  • (Informal) He ordered a cherry phosphate at the old-fashioned soda fountain.

Advanced Usage

• "Phosphate group": In biochemistry, a functional group consisting of a phosphorus atom bonded to four oxygen atoms, crucial in molecules like ATP and DNA.
  • The transfer of a phosphate group provides energy for cellular activities.
• "Phosphate rock": A sedimentary rock containing high amounts of phosphate minerals, mined for fertilizer production.
  • The country is a major exporter of phosphate rock.

Variants and Related Words

• Phosphoric (adj): Relating to or containing phosphorus, especially in its higher valency.
  • Phosphoric acid is a common ingredient in cola drinks.
• Phosphorylation (n): The biochemical process of adding a phosphate group to an organic molecule.
  • Protein phosphorylation is a vital regulatory mechanism in cells.

Synonyms

• Orthophosphate: A more specific chemical term for the most common form of inorganic phosphate ions.
• Phosphorus salt: A general descriptive term.

Related Phrases and Compounds

• Phosphate fertilizer: A fertilizer containing phosphates to promote plant growth.
  • Farmers apply phosphate fertilizer to enrich the soil.
• Phosphate mining: The extraction of phosphate minerals from the earth.
  • Phosphate mining can have significant environmental impacts.

Học thuật

Noun

1. carbonated drink with fruit syrup and a little phosphoric acid
2. a salt of phosphoric acid

Từ đồng nghĩa

• orthophosphate
• inorganic phosphate