|  phosphorus 
  
 
 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 (Freq. 1)
 • Syn:
 P, atomic number 15
 • Derivationally related forms:
 phosphoric, phosphorous
 • Hypernyms:
 chemical element, element
 • Substance Holonyms:
 apatite
 
 
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