1. A salt of phosphoric acid
   "phosphates are often used in fertilizers to provide plants with essential phosphorus"; "Inorganic phosphates are commonly used in fertilizers";
   - orthophosphate, inorganic phosphate
    
2. [US, archaic] Carbonated drink with fruit syrup and a little phosphoric acid
   "The old-fashioned soda fountain served cherry phosphates"

Derived forms: phosphates

Type of: salt, soft drink

Encyclopedia: Phosphate