Noun: phosphorus fós-fu-rus
- A multivalent nonmetallic element of the nitrogen family that occurs commonly in inorganic phosphate rocks and as organic phosphates in all living cells; is highly reactive and occurs in several allotropic forms
"Phosphorus is an essential component of DNA and RNA";
- P, atomic number 15
- A planet (usually Venus) seen just before sunrise in the eastern sky
- morning star, daystar, Lucifer
Sounds like: phlox, fphorus, phosp
Derived forms: phosphoruses
Type of: chemical element, element, major planet, planet
Part of: apatite
Encyclopedia: Phosphorus