phosphate
UK: ˈfɒsfeɪt | US: ˈfɑːsfeɪt
n. A salt or ester of phosphoric acid, commonly used in fertilizers, detergents, and biochemistry.
n. (Biochemistry) An organic compound containing a phosphate group, essential in energy transfer (e.g., ATP).
The word "phosphate" combines the Greek root "phosph-" (from "phōs," meaning "light"), referencing phosphorus's property of glowing in the dark, with the suffix "-ate," used in chemistry to denote salts or esters. Phosphorus was historically isolated from minerals that emitted light, hence the luminous connection. The "-ate" suffix systematizes its classification as a compound derived from phosphoric acid.
Farmers apply phosphate fertilizers to enrich soil with essential nutrients.
ATP, a key energy carrier in cells, contains three phosphate groups.
Excessive phosphate runoff can cause algal blooms in water bodies.
The lab technician analyzed the sample for phosphate concentrations.
Detergents often include sodium phosphate to soften water.