phosphatize

[ fos-fuh-tahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, phos·pha·tized, phos·pha·tiz·ing.

1. to treat with phosphates.
2. to change to phosphate.

phosphatize

/ ˈfɒsfəˌtaɪz /

verb

1. tr to treat with a phosphate or phosphates, as by applying a fertilizer
2. to change or be changed into a phosphate

Derived Forms

• ˌphosphatiˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• phospha·ti·zation phos·pha·tion [fos-, fey, -sh, uh, n], noun
• un·phospha·tized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of phosphatize¹

First recorded in 1880–85; phosphate + -ize

Example Sentences

But he says that just because biofilm bacteria can phosphatize embryos but not , that doesn't mean the fossils formed through this process.

From Science Magazine