1
a(1)
: a salt or ester of a phosphoric acid
(2)
: the trivalent anion PO43− derived from phosphoric acid H3PO4
b
: an organic compound of phosphoric acid in which the acid group is bound to nitrogen or a carboxyl group in a way that permits useful energy to be released (as in metabolism)
2
: an effervescent drink of carbonated water with a small amount of phosphoric acid flavored with fruit syrup
3
: a phosphatic material used for fertilizers
Examples of phosphate in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
What really caught Dobos’ eye, however, is an ingredient called dicalcium phosphate.
—
Sophia Panych, Allure, 1 Apr. 2025
The fluoride used in public systems is typically not naturally occurring fluoride and is instead sourced from the phosphate fertilizer industry, where it’s captured during processing to prevent environmental emissions.
—Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 29 Mar. 2025
This causes electrolytes like potassium and phosphate to build up to dangerous levels.
—Eleanor Rivera, The Conversation, 28 Mar. 2025
Ingredients to avoid include dyes, phosphates, and optical brighteners.
—Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for phosphate
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Sophia Panych, Allure, 1 Apr. 2025
The fluoride used in public systems is typically not naturally occurring fluoride and is instead sourced from the phosphate fertilizer industry, where it’s captured during processing to prevent environmental emissions.
—Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 29 Mar. 2025
This causes electrolytes like potassium and phosphate to build up to dangerous levels.
—Eleanor Rivera, The Conversation, 28 Mar. 2025
Ingredients to avoid include dyes, phosphates, and optical brighteners.
—Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for phosphate
Cite this Entry
“Phosphate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phosphate. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
phosphate
noun
phos·phate
ˈfäs-ˌfāt 
1
: a salt of a phosphoric acid
2
: a drink made of carbonated water and fruit syrup with a little phosphoric acid added for tang
Medical Definition
phosphate
noun
phos·phate
ˈfäs-ˌfāt
1
a
: a salt or ester of a phosphoric acid
b
: the trivalent anion PO43− derived from phosphoric acid H3PO4
2
: an organic compound of phosphoric acid in which the acid group is bound to nitrogen or a carboxyl group in a way that permits useful energy to be released (as in metabolism)
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