Phosphate
/ˈfɒs.feɪt/noun
A salt or ester of phosphoric acid, or a compound containing the phosphate ion.
Did you know?Phosphate is named through phosphor- (“light-bearer”), because phosphorus was originally identified by its eerie glow in the dark, a chemical shine that made early alchemists think of fire stolen from the night.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
φωσφόρος (phōsphoros)
“light-bringing, morning-star, especially the planet Venus”
Late Latin
Latin
phosphorus
“the morning star; later the element phosphorus”
17th Century
English
phosphorus
“the glowing chemical element discovered from luminous compounds”
18th Century
French/English
phosphate
“a salt of phosphoric acid”
Modern English
English
phosphate
“a salt or ester of phosphoric acid, or a compound containing the phosphate ion”
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