PHOSPHORI
Noun
phosphori
plural of phosphorus
Source: Wiktionary
PHOSPHORUS
Phos"phor*us, n.; pl. Phosphori. Etym: [L., the morning star, Gr.
1. The morning star; Phosphor.
2. (Chem.)
Definition: 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.
3. (Chem.)
Definition: Hence, any substance which shines in the dark like phosphorus,
as certain phosphorescent bodies. Bologna phosphorus (Chem.),
sulphide of barium, which shines in the dark after exposure to light;
– so called because this property was discovered by a resident of
Bologna. The term is sometimes applied to other compounds having
similar properties.
– Metallic phosphorus (Chem.), an allotropic modification of
phosphorus, obtained as a gray metallic crystalline substance, having
very inert chemical properties. It is obtained by heating ordinary
phosphorus in a closed vessel at a high temperature.
– Phosphorus disease (Med.), a disease common among workers in
phosphorus, giving rise to necrosis of the jawbone, and other
symptoms.
– Red, or Amorphous, phosphorus (Chem.), an allotropic modification
of phosphorus, obtained as a dark red powder by heating ordinary
phosphorus in closed vessels. It is not poisonous, is not
phosphorescent, and is only moderately active chemically. It is
valuable as a chemical reagent, and is used in the composition of the
friction surface on which safety matches are ignited.
– Solar phosphori (Chem.), phosphorescent substances which shine in
the dark after exposure to the sunlight or other intense light.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition