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
Magnesium-sodium phosphate is a compound that can be dissolved in water and serves as a component of biochemistry for life.
—
Ashley Strickland, CNN, 27 June 2024
Similarly, phosphates tend to form from evaporating bodies of water.
—Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 27 June 2024
That’s still a significant improvement over lithium iron phosphate batteries, whose density tops out at 160 Wh/kg.
—IEEE Spectrum, 18 June 2024
Electrolytes include sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, and phosphate.
—Willow Jarosh, Ms, Parents, 11 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for phosphate 
Ashley Strickland, CNN, 27 June 2024
Similarly, phosphates tend to form from evaporating bodies of water.
—Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 27 June 2024
That’s still a significant improvement over lithium iron phosphate batteries, whose density tops out at 160 Wh/kg.
—IEEE Spectrum, 18 June 2024
Electrolytes include sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, and phosphate.
—Willow Jarosh, Ms, Parents, 11 June 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 15 Jul. 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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