/fos"fayt/ , n.
1. Chem.
a. (loosely) a salt or ester of phosphoric acid.
b. a tertiary salt of orthophosphoric acid, as sodium phosphate.
2. Agric. a fertilizing material containing compounds of phosphorus.
3. a carbonated drink of water and fruit syrup containing a little phosphoric acid.
[ 1785-95; PHOSPH- + -ATE 2 ]