[phos.phate] n [F, fr. acide phosphorique phosphoric acid] (1795) 1 a (1): a salt or ester of a phosphoric acid (2): the triply charged anion composed of one phosphorus and four oxygen atoms that is derived from phosphoric acid b: an organic compound of phosphoric acid in which the acid group is bound to nitrogen or a carboxyl group in a way that permits useful energy to be released (as in metabolism)
2: an effervescent drink of carbonated water with a small amount of phosphoric acid flavored with fruit syrup
3: a phosphatic material used for fertilizers