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
Mosaic could be a winner ahead thanks to a tight phosphate market, according to RBC.
—
Hakyung Kim, CNBC, 8 May 2025
Newer lithium iron phosphate batteries, for example, require less cobalt than older designs; sodium-ion batteries could further diminish the need for lithium and nickel.
—Heidi Crebo-Rediker, Foreign Affairs, 7 May 2025
Cheaper lithium-iron phosphate, or LFP, cells are also supplied almost entirely by Chinese companies.
—Alan Ohnsman, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
On the menu: smashburgers, french fries, tater tots, milkshakes (traditional and boozy), floats, phosphate sodas, and a smattering of specialty cocktails, beer and wine.
—David Hudnall
updated July 3, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for phosphate
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Hakyung Kim, CNBC, 8 May 2025
Newer lithium iron phosphate batteries, for example, require less cobalt than older designs; sodium-ion batteries could further diminish the need for lithium and nickel.
—Heidi Crebo-Rediker, Foreign Affairs, 7 May 2025
Cheaper lithium-iron phosphate, or LFP, cells are also supplied almost entirely by Chinese companies.
—Alan Ohnsman, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
On the menu: smashburgers, french fries, tater tots, milkshakes (traditional and boozy), floats, phosphate sodas, and a smattering of specialty cocktails, beer and wine.
—David Hudnall
updated July 3, Kansas City Star, 3 July 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 24 Jul. 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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