phos‧phate /ˈfɒsfeɪt $ ˈfɑːs-/
noun [uncountable and countable][
Date: 1700-1800;
Language: French;
Origin: acide phosphorique 'phosphoric acid']
1. one of the various forms of a
salt of
phosphorus, often used in industry
2. [usually plural] a substance containing a phosphate used for making plants grow better
[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲