ˈfɔsfərəs n. Chem. a non-metallic
element occurring
naturally in
various phosphate rocks
and existing in allotropic forms,
esp. as a poisonous whitish waxy
substance burning slowly at
ordinary temperatures and so appearing
luminous in
the dark, and a reddish
form used in matches, fertilizers, etc. °Symb.: P. øøphosphoric adj. phosphorous adj. [L, =
morning star, f. Gk phosphoros f. phos
light + -phoros -bringing]