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.
Usage:
Symb.: P.
Derivatives:
phosphoric adj. phosphorous adj.
Etymology: L, morning star, f. Gk phosphoros f. phos light + -phoros -bringing