phosphorus
Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
phosphorus /ˈfɒsf(ə)rəs/
▶noun the chemical element of atomic number 15, a poisonous, combustible non-metal which exists as a yellowish waxy solid which ignites spontaneously in air and glows in the dark (white phosphorus), and as a less reactive form used in making matches (red phosphorus). (Symbol: P)
– origin C17: from L., from Gk phōsphoros, from phōs ‘light’ + -phoros ‘-bringing’.
'phosphorus' also found in these Oxford entries:
hypoparathyroidism
- organophosphorus
- P
- parathion
- phosphate
- phosphide
- phosphine
- phospho-
- phosphor
- phosphor bronze
- phosphoric
- phosphorous
- phossy jaw
