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a multivalent nonmetallic element of the nitrogen family that occurs commonly in inorganic phosphate rocks and as organic phosphates in all living cells; is highly reactive and occurs in several allotropic forms

a planet (usually Venus) seen just before sunrise in the eastern sky

a multivalent nonmetallic element of the nitrogen family that occurs commonly in inorganic phosphate rocks and as organic phosphates in all living cells; is highly reactive and occurs in several allotropic forms

a planet (usually Venus) seen just before sunrise in the eastern sky

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.

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.

An element that has the atomic symbol P, atomic number 15, and atomic weight 31. It is an essential element in the diet, a major component of the mineral phase of bone, and is abundant in all tissues, being involved in some form in almost all metabolic processes. (From Dorland, 27th ed)

An inflammable substance which gives out light without beat.

A luminous poison obtained from bones; a valuable tonic.

The morning-star: a yellowish substance, like wax, inflammable and luminous in the dark.

An elementary combustible substance, faintly luminous in the dark.

A combustible substance of a yellowish colour, and luminous in the dark.

An elementary substance of a waxlike consistence, easily made to burn, even by the heat of the fingers or by friction, always luminous in the dark in its ordinary state; the morning star.

An elementary or undecomposed substance; not metallic; solid; transparent or semitransparent; colourless; brilliant; flexible; of a sensible garlic odour; very inflammable, and susceptible of combining with the oxygen of the atmosphere, at even the ordinary temperature. It does not exist pure in nature, but is found frequently united to other bodies. Its fumes in the manufacture of lucifer and Congreve matches have caused, it is said, necrosis of the lower jaw- Phosphornecrosis, phosphorus jaw disease, Lucifer-match-makers’ Disease. Phosphorus has been used in medicine, dissolved in ether or suspended in the yolk of egg, as a stimulant; but the greatest precautions are necessary in its administration: hence it is rarely employed.

A non-metallic translucent element, poisonous and very inflammable.

A name given at first to any phosphorescent substance but now applied exclusively to a nonmetallic element discovered by Brand in urine. It was afterward obtained from bone ash, and is still so prepared. Combined with calcium, aluminum, and iron, it occurs in nature forming various minerals, and is also an important constituent of the animal and vegetable organism, where it is found combined with calcium, magnesium, sodium, ammonium, and certain organic radicles. In the animal body it occurs more especially in the bones, teeth, and nervous tissue. Phosphorus presents several allotropic modifications. Ordinary, or colorless, Phosphorus is a colorless or slightly yellow, waxlike, translucent body of crystalline structure, and having a garlicky odor, but no taste. At ordinary temperatures it is soft and cuts readily with a knife, but at low temperatures it is brittle. It melts at 44.30 C. to a colorless or slightly yellowish liquid, which boils at 200 C., forming a colorless gas. It also sublimes in a vacuum at ordinary temperatures, and recondenses in colorless crystals. It is almost insoluble in water, and soluble with difficulty in ether and in alcohol, but dissolves readily in carbon disulphid. It is readily inflammable, and possesses the property of becoming luminous in the dark when in contact with moist air, giving off at the same time white fumes of a garlicky odor. Its sp. gr. is 1.831. Red, or amorphous, p. is formed from ordinary p. by the action of heat or light and also by the presence of iodin in minute quantities. It is a hard, compact, reddish brown solid, of a metallic luster, devoid of taste and odor. It is insoluble in carbon disulphid, oxidizes with great difficulty, is non-luminous at ordinary temperatures, and is not poisonous. Its sp. gr. is 2.106. P. acts as an irritant poison, but the symptoms depend upon the state in which it is taken. In chronic poisoning necrosis of the bones may occur. Fatty degeneration of various organs is seen in acute p. poisoning. It has been employed in solution in oil, or in pill form, in cases of nervous debility, in cerebral or spinal paralyses, in hydrocephalus, and in osteomalacia. The dose is 1/200 to 1/32 of a grain. Atomic weight, 30.96; symbol, P or Ph.

n. [Latin, Greek] The morning star; Phosphor;—an elementary substance, very combustible, of a yellowish colour, and semi-transparent, resembling fine war.