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
When acid starts to wear down enamel, fluoride draws in calcium and phosphate to rebuild the weakened areas, in a process called remineralization.
—
Matt Fuchs, Time, 14 May 2025
The bill with the phosphate issue will go back to the House.
—News Service Of Florida, Sun Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2025
Calcium is also available as several different compounds in supplements:
Calcium carbonate
Calcium citrate
Calcium gluconate
Calcium lactate
Calcium phosphate
Calcium sulfate
Calcium carbonate and calcium citrate are the most popular forms.
—Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 27 Mar. 2025
Once the phosphate ran out, Nauru looked for new revenue sources.
—Laura Paddison, CNN, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for phosphate
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Matt Fuchs, Time, 14 May 2025
The bill with the phosphate issue will go back to the House.
—News Service Of Florida, Sun Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2025
Calcium is also available as several different compounds in supplements:
Calcium carbonate
Calcium citrate
Calcium gluconate
Calcium lactate
Calcium phosphate
Calcium sulfate
Calcium carbonate and calcium citrate are the most popular forms.
—Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 27 Mar. 2025
Once the phosphate ran out, Nauru looked for new revenue sources.
—Laura Paddison, CNN, 5 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 28 May. 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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