Phosphorus vs. Phosphorous

Phosphorusnoun

(chemistry) a chemical element (symbol P) with an atomic number of 15, that exists in several allotropic forms.

Phosphorusnoun

(obsolete) any substance exhibiting phosphorescence; a phosphor

Phosphorusnoun

The morning star; Phosphor.

Phosphorusnoun

A poisonous nonmetallic element of the nitrogen group, obtained as a white, or yellowish, translucent waxy substance, having a characteristic disagreeable smell; this waxy allotropic form is also called yellow phosphorus, to distinguish it from another allotropic form, red phosphorus. It is very active chemically, must be preserved under water, and unites with oxygen even at ordinary temperatures, giving a faint glow, - whence its name. It always occurs combined, usually in phosphates, as in the mineral apatite, in bones, etc. It is used in the composition on the tips of friction matches, and for many other purposes. The molecule contains four atoms. Symbol P. Atomic weight 31.0.

Phosphorusnoun

Hence, any substance which shines in the dark like phosphorus, as certain phosphorescent bodies.

Phosphorusnoun

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

Phosphorusnoun

a planet (usually Venus) seen just before sunrise in the eastern sky

Phosphorusnoun

the chemical element of atomic number 15, a poisonous, combustible non-metal which exists in two common allotropic forms, white phosphorus, a yellowish waxy solid which ignites spontaneously in air and glows in the dark, and red phosphorus, a less reactive form used in making matches.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is a chemical element with the symbol P and atomic number 15. Elemental phosphorus exists in two major forms, white phosphorus and red phosphorus, but because it is highly reactive, phosphorus is never found as a free element on Earth.

Phosphorousadjective

(chemistry) Of or pertaining to phosphorus.

Phosphorousadjective

Resembling phosphorus.

Phosphorousadjective

(chemistry) Of relating to or containing trivalent phosphorus.

Phosphorousnoun

(proscribed) lang=en

Phosphorousadjective

Of or pertaining to phosphorus; resembling or containing phosphorus; specifically, designating those compounds in which phosphorus has a lower valence as contrasted with phosphoric compounds; as, phosphorous acid, H3PO3.

Phosphorousadjective

containing or characteristic of phosphorus;

Phosphorousadjective

relating to or containing phosphorus.

Phosphorousadjective

of phosphorus with a valency of three.

Phosphorousadjective

phosphorescent.