white phosphorus

noun

: the element phosphorus in its white or yellowish allotropic form

called also yellow phosphorus

Word History

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of white phosphorus was in 1861

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Dictionary Entries Near white phosphorus

white perch

white phosphorus

white pickle

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“White phosphorus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/white%20phosphorus. Accessed 27 Nov. 2024.

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