phosphate

(fäsfāt′)

noun

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

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

See phosphate in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. A salt or ester of phosphoric acid.
  2. A fertilizer containing phosphorus compounds.
  3. A soda fountain drink made by blending carbonated water with flavored syrup.

Origin:

Origin: phosph(o)-

Origin: + -ate2

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Related Forms:

  • phos·phatˈic (fŏs-fătˈĭk) adjective

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