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
Calcium and phosphate in these toothpastes can help strengthen tooth enamel by remineralizing teeth.
—
Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 31 July 2024
The leopard spotting may have occurred when chemical reactions with hematite turned the rock from red to white, which can release iron and phosphate and potentially cause the black rings to form.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN, 26 July 2024
The distinctive colorful spots, containing both iron and phosphate, are a smoking gun for certain chemical reactions—rather than microbial life itself.
—Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 25 July 2024
Furthermore, saliva contains minerals such as calcium and phosphate that can help strengthen and protect tooth enamel, and antibodies and enzymes that can fight staining bacteria.
—Allure Editors, Allure, 19 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for phosphate 
Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 31 July 2024
The leopard spotting may have occurred when chemical reactions with hematite turned the rock from red to white, which can release iron and phosphate and potentially cause the black rings to form.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN, 26 July 2024
The distinctive colorful spots, containing both iron and phosphate, are a smoking gun for certain chemical reactions—rather than microbial life itself.
—Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 25 July 2024
Furthermore, saliva contains minerals such as calcium and phosphate that can help strengthen and protect tooth enamel, and antibodies and enzymes that can fight staining bacteria.
—Allure Editors, Allure, 19 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for phosphate
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'phosphate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near phosphate
Cite this Entry
“Phosphate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phosphate. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
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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