PHOSPHORUS

phosphorus, atomic number

(noun) 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

Source: WordNet® 3.1

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Etymology

Noun

phosphorus (countable and uncountable, plural phosphoruses or phosphori)

(chemistry) a chemical element (symbol P) with an atomic number of 15, that exists in several allotropic forms.

(obsolete) any substance exhibiting phosphorescence; a phosphor

Usage notes

• Do not confuse phosphorus with phosphorous, which is an adjective.

Etymology

Proper noun

Phosphorus

A name sometimes used for Hesperus, the personification in Greek mythology of the planet Venus.

Synonym: Hesperus

An Ancient Greek name for the morning star (the planet Venus when it is visible in the eastern sky before sunrise).

Synonyms: morning star, Eosphorus, Lucifer

Antonyms: evening star, Hesperus

Source: Wiktionary

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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

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