phosphate

American  

[fos-feyt] / ˈfɒs feɪt /

noun

1. Chemistry.

   1. (loosely) a salt or ester of phosphoric acid.

   2. a tertiary salt of orthophosphoric acid, as sodium phosphate.

2. Agriculture. a fertilizing material containing compounds of phosphorus.

3. a carbonated drink of water and fruit syrup containing a little phosphoric acid.

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phosphate British  

/ ˈfɒsfeɪt, fɒsˈfætɪk /

noun

1. any salt or ester of any phosphoric acid, esp a salt of orthophosphoric acid

2. (often plural) any of several chemical fertilizers containing phosphorous compounds

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phosphate Scientific  

/ fŏs′fāt′ /

1. A salt or ester of phosphoric acid, containing the group PO ₄. Phosphates are important in metabolism and are frequently used in fertilizers.

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Other Word Forms

• phosphatic adjective
• subphosphate noun

Etymology

Origin of phosphate

First recorded in 1785–95; phosph- + -ate ²

Example Sentences

Gulf states produce key minerals used in fertilizer production, including urea, phosphate, ammonia, and sulfur.

From Barron's

Other relief being sought includes dropping long-standing duties on countries that export fertilizer products to the U.S., such as Morocco, a supplier of phosphates.

From Los Angeles Times

According to the United Nations around a third of the world's fertilisers - such as urea, potash, ammonia and phosphates - normally pass through the Hormuz Strait.

From BBC

The fighting has stranded big chunks of the world’s supply of ammonia, urea, sulfur and phosphates.

From The Wall Street Journal

According to the United Nations, around a third of the world's fertilisers - such as urea, potash, ammonia and phosphates - normally pass through the Hormuz Strait.

From BBC