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phosphate definition

phos·phate (fäs′fāt′)

noun

    1. a salt of phosphoric acid containing the trivalent, negative radical PO
    2. an uncharged ester of this acid
  2. any substance containing phosphates, used as a fertilizer
  3. ☆ a soft drink made with soda water, syrup, and, orig., a few drops of phosphoric acid

Etymology: Fr < (acide) phosphorique < -ate, -ate

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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