Definition of Phospharus
Phos"phor*us (?), n.; pl.
Phosphori (#). [L., the morning star, Gr. &?;, lit.,
light bringer; &?; light + &?; to bring.] 1. The
morning star; Phosphor.
2. (Chem.) A poisonous nonmetallic
element of the nitrogen group, obtained as a white, or yellowish,
translucent waxy substance, having a characteristic disagreeable
smell. 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 compined, 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.
3. (Chem.) Hence, any substance which
shines in the dark like phosphorus, as certain phosphorescent
bodies.
Bologna phosphorus (Chem.), sulphide
of barium, which shines in the dark after exposure to light; -- so
called because this property was discovered by a resident of
Bologna. The term is sometimes applied to other compounds
having similar properties. -- Metallic
phosphorus (Chem.), an allotropic modification of
phosphorus, obtained as a gray metallic crystalline substance, having
very inert chemical properties. It is obtained by heating ordinary
phosphorus in a closed vessel at a high temperature. --
Phosphorus disease (Med.), a disease
common among workers in phosphorus, giving rise to necrosis of the
jawbone, and other symptoms. -- Red, or
Amorphous, phosphorus (Chem.),
an allotropic modification of phosphorus, obtained as a dark red
powder by heating ordinary phosphorus in closed vessels. It is not
poisonous, is not phosphorescent, and is only moderately active
chemically. It is valuable as a chemical reagent, and is used in the
composition of the friction surface on which safety matches are
ignited. -- Solar phosphori (Chem.),
phosphorescent substances which shine in the dark after exposure
to the sunlight or other intense light.
- Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
- (chemistry) a chemical element (symbol P) with an atomic number of 15, that exists in several allotropic forms.
Latin
- phosphorus
Phosphorus- A name sometimes used for Hesperus, the personification in Greek mythology of the planet Venus.
- The Nuttall Encyclopedia
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