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
"The chemist carefully stored the white phosphorus under water to prevent it from igniting due to its extreme reactivity."
a planet (usually Venus) seen just before sunrise in the eastern sky
"We waited by the window to see if phosphorus would appear as a bright star climbing above the horizon before dawn."
a chemical element (symbol P) with an atomic number of 15, that exists in several allotropic forms.
"The chemist explained that while phosphorus is a reactive nonmetal used in matches and fertilizers, its ability to exist in different allotropic forms like white and red determines how it should be stored safely."
A name sometimes used for Hesperus, the personification in Greek mythology of the planet Venus.
"The ancient astronomer noted that Phosphorus was rising before dawn, identifying it as the herald of day rather than just a bright star."
The word phosphorus comes from the Latin phōsphorus, which was borrowed from Ancient Greek. It originally meant "the bearer of light," combining words for light and to carry.