Phosphorite
/ˈfɒs.fə.raɪt/noun
A rock composed chiefly of phosphate minerals, especially apatite.
Did you know?The root comes from Ancient Greek phōsphoros, “light-bringing,” the name of the morning star Venus before phosphorus was identified as a chemical element.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bʰer-
“To carry or bear”
Ancient Greek
Greek
phōs
“Light”
Ancient Greek
Greek
phōsphoros
“Light-bringing; the morning star”
Late Latin
Latin
phosphorus
“The morning star; later, the luminous chemical element”
17th Century
English
phosphorus
“A substance noted for its ability to emit light, especially white phosphorus”
19th Century
English
phosphorite
“A phosphate-bearing rock or mineral deposit”