ScienceJuly 13, 2026
phosphate
ˈfɒsfeɪt
Definition
A chemical compound or nutrient containing phosphorus that is essential for the growth and survival of marine organisms.
Etymology
The word is derived from the Greek 'phōs' (light) and 'pherein' (to bring), referring to the fact that white phosphorus glows in the dark. It entered English chemistry in the 18th century as a term for salts derived from phosphoric acid.
In the news
The article mentions phosphate as a critical nutrient in the deep ocean that must be transported to the surface by mixing processes to support the marine food web. If these vertical mixing processes fail, the entire ecosystem could collapse due to a lack of these essential nutrients.
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Read the full article ↗ZME Science