Phosphorus: definitions and examples of phosphorus

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noun A highly reactive, poisonous, nonmetallic element occurring naturally in phosphates, especially apatite, and existing in three allotropic forms, white (or sometimes yellow), red, and black. An essential constituent of protoplasm, it is used in safety matches, pyrotechnics, incendiary shells, and fertilizers and to protect metal surfaces from corrosion. Atomic number 15; atomic weight 30.9738; melting point (white) 44.1°C; boiling point 280°C; specific gravity (white) 1.82; valence 3, 5. See Table at element.
noun A phosphorescent substance.

Century Dictionary (20)

[capitalized] The morning star; Phosphor. John Baptist was that Phosphorus or morning star, to signify the sun's approaching. Rev. T. Adams, Works, III. 224.
Chemical symbol, P; atomic weight, 31; specific gravity, 1.826. A solid non-metallic combustible substance, hitherto undecomposed, not found by itself in nature, but occurring chiefly in combination with oxygen, calcium, and magnesium. It is widely distributed, being an essential constituent of all plants and of the bony tissue of animals. It was originally obtained from urine; but it is now manufactured from bones, which consist in large part of calcium phosphate. Common phosphorus, when pure, is semi-transparent and colorless. At common temperatures it is a soft solid, easily cut with a knife, the cut surface having a waxy luster; at 108°F. it fuses, and at 550° is converted into vapor. It is soluble, by the aid of heat, in naphtha, in fixed and volatile oils, and in sulphur chlorid, carbon disulphid, and phosphorus sulphid. It is exceedingly inflammable. Exposed to the air at common temperatures, it undergoes slow combustion, emits a white vapor of a peculiar garlic odor, and appears luminous in the dark. A very slight degree of heat is sufficient to inflame it in the open air. Gentle pressure between the fingers, friction, or a temperature not much above its point of fusion kindles it readily. It burns rapidly even in the air, emitting a splendid white light, and causing intense heat. Its combustion is far more rapid iu oxygen gas, and the light far more vivid. The product of the perfect combustion of phosphorus is phosphorous pentoxid (P₂O₅), a white solid which readily takes up water, passing into phosphoric acid (which see, under phosphoric). Phosphorus may be made to combine with most of the metals, forming compounds called phosphides; when dissolved in fat oils it forms a solution which is luminous in the dark. It is chiefly used in the preparation of luciffer matches, and in the preparation of phosphoric acid. It is used to some extent in medicine in nervous affections, but is virulently poisonous except in very minute doses. Phosphorus presents a good example of allotropy, in that it can be exhibited in at least one other form, known as red or amorphous phosphorus, presenting completely different properties from common phosphorus. This variety is produced by keeping common phosphorus for a long time slightly below the boiling-point. It is a red, hard, brittle substance, not fusible, not poisonous, and not readily inflammable, so that it may be handled with impunity. When heated to the boiling-point it changes back to common phosphorus.
Bologna, Bolognian, or Bononian phosphorus one of the most powerful of the solar phosphoric substances. It is prepared by heating barium sulphate intensely with powdered charcoal, and filling with it while hot glass tubes, which are at once sealed. After exposure to sunlight, the mass phosphoresces in the dark with a bright orange-colored light.

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He had been in bed only four hours when his node buzzed. — Analog Science Fiction and Fact
Dr Muku's arms flailed at Senjin as the phosphorus-impregnated cigarette burned ever more deeply into his eye socket. — The White Ninja
"But I'm still unwilling to put the two of you into a combat situation. — Analog Science Fiction and Fact
Another method of separating and determining the phosphorus is as follows: -- Take 1 gram of the substance and add to it 15 c.c. of hot aqua regia. — A Text-book of Assaying: For the Use of Those Connected with Mines.
Had she made the right choice? — The Man From High Mountain

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phosphorus

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