n, often attrib  :  a nonmetallic multivalent element that occurs widely in combined form esp. as inorganic phosphates in minerals, soils, natural waters, bones, and teeth and as organic phosphates in all living cells and that exists in several allotropic forms - symbol P - see ELEMENTtable   .
 
 
 
Similar sounding terms:  phos·pho·resce  phos·pho·rous  phosphorus 32 
 
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