phosphorus

phosphorus
[ˈfɒsf(ə)rəs]
noun

[mass noun]the chemical element of atomic number 15, a poisonous, combustible non-metal which exists in two common allotropic forms, white phosphorus, a yellowish waxy solid which ignites spontaneously in air and glows in the dark, and red phosphorus, a less reactive form used in making matches(Symbol: P)
（化学元素）磷(符号：P)
Phosphorus is abundant in the earth's crust in the form of phosphates. It is essential to living organisms; organic phosphates are involved in storing energy in cells, and calcium phosphate is a major component of bone. The main commercial use of phosphorus compounds is in fertilizers

语源

late 17th cent.: from Latin, from Greek phōsphoros, from phōs 'light' + -phoros '-bringing'

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