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
While the vice minister did not provide further details, Saudi officials have discussed plans to significantly expand the country’s exploration for lithium, as well as for other critical minerals and rare earth elements including copper, gold, zinc, phosphate and nickel.
—
Natasha Turak, CNBC, 15 Jan. 2025
In 2024, global average battery prices fell 20% to $115 per kWh, driven by excess production capacity in China and burgeoning low-cost battery chemistries like lithium iron phosphate.
—Energy Innovation: Policy and Technology, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
Batesville-area manganese ore tends also to contain phosphate, which is detrimental in steel production.
—arkansasonline.com, 30 Nov. 2024
Chinese companies also switched to lithium iron phosphate batteries, known as LFP batteries, which are safer and cheaper—although slightly lower energy density—than the lithium nickel manganese cobalt batteries preferred by Western companies.
—Jessica Bateman, WIRED, 7 Jan. 2025
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Natasha Turak, CNBC, 15 Jan. 2025
In 2024, global average battery prices fell 20% to $115 per kWh, driven by excess production capacity in China and burgeoning low-cost battery chemistries like lithium iron phosphate.
—Energy Innovation: Policy and Technology, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
Batesville-area manganese ore tends also to contain phosphate, which is detrimental in steel production.
—arkansasonline.com, 30 Nov. 2024
Chinese companies also switched to lithium iron phosphate batteries, known as LFP batteries, which are safer and cheaper—although slightly lower energy density—than the lithium nickel manganese cobalt batteries preferred by Western companies.
—Jessica Bateman, WIRED, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for phosphate
Dictionary Entries Near phosphate
Cite this Entry
“Phosphate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phosphate. Accessed 23 Jan. 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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