phosphorite

[ fos-fuh-rahyt ]

noun

1. a sedimentary rock sufficiently rich in phosphate minerals to be used as a source of phosphorus for fertilizers.

phosphorite

/ ˌfɒsfəˈrɪtɪk; ˈfɒsfəˌraɪt /

noun

1. a fibrous variety of the mineral apatite
2. any of various mineral deposits that consist mainly of calcium phosphate

Derived Forms

• phosphoritic, adjective

Other Words From

• phos·pho·rit·ic [fos-f, uh, -, rit, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of phosphorite¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; phosphor- + -ite ¹

Example Sentences

Phosphorite is another name for apatite, but is chiefly applied to impure amorphous apatite.

From Project Gutenberg

We have already referred in Chapter V. to large deposits of apatite or phosphorite found in Canada.

From Project Gutenberg