noun

phosphate

FOS-fayt

noun

A chemical compound derived from phosphoric acid, widely used in fertilizers and found in living cells.

"Farmers spread phosphate fertilizer on the fields every spring."

A fizzy drink flavored with fruit syrup and a small amount of phosphoric acid, historically served at soda fountains.

"The old diner still serves a classic cherry phosphate."

How to Use Phosphate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA phosphorus-based compound, most often thought of as a fertilizer ingredient or (in the US) an old-style flavored soda.

Common pairings

phosphate fertilizer calcium phosphate

phosphated past tense, phosphates plural, phosphates singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Can you complete this real example?

Farmers spread _____ fertilizer on the fields every spring.

Borrowed from French phosphate, formed from "phosphoric acid" plus the chemical suffix "-ate," which denotes a salt or ester.

ate date rate mate fate gate hate pate late Nate Kate cate