1
a(1)
: a salt or ester of a phosphoric acid
(2)
: the trivalent anion PO43− derived from phosphoric acid H3PO4
b
: an organic compound of phosphoric acid in which the acid group is bound to nitrogen or a carboxyl group in a way that permits useful energy to be released (as in metabolism)
2
: an effervescent drink of carbonated water with a small amount of phosphoric acid flavored with fruit syrup
3
: a phosphatic material used for fertilizers
Examples of phosphate in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
It is estimated that 85% of phosphate mined from phosphate rocks produces fertilizers.
—
Simi Thambi, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
On Wednesday, House member Berny Jacques attached language from the Cassel bill to an unrelated bill approved by the Senate clarifying that certain levels of radiation must be recorded before lawsuits could be brought against owners of former phosphate mines.
—Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 26 Apr. 2025
Phosphate binders reduce the amount of phosphate that gets absorbed.7
4.
—Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 17 Apr. 2025
What really caught Dobos’ eye, however, is an ingredient called dicalcium phosphate.
—Sophia Panych, Allure, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for phosphate
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Simi Thambi, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
On Wednesday, House member Berny Jacques attached language from the Cassel bill to an unrelated bill approved by the Senate clarifying that certain levels of radiation must be recorded before lawsuits could be brought against owners of former phosphate mines.
—Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 26 Apr. 2025
Phosphate binders reduce the amount of phosphate that gets absorbed.7
4.
—Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 17 Apr. 2025
What really caught Dobos’ eye, however, is an ingredient called dicalcium phosphate.
—Sophia Panych, Allure, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for phosphate
Cite this Entry
“Phosphate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phosphate. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
phosphate
noun
phos·phate
ˈfäs-ˌfāt 
1
: a salt of a phosphoric acid
2
: a drink made of carbonated water and fruit syrup with a little phosphoric acid added for tang
Medical Definition
phosphate
noun
phos·phate
ˈfäs-ˌfāt
1
a
: a salt or ester of a phosphoric acid
b
: the trivalent anion PO43− derived from phosphoric acid H3PO4
2
: an organic compound of phosphoric acid in which the acid group is bound to nitrogen or a carboxyl group in a way that permits useful energy to be released (as in metabolism)
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