Definitions

1. noun

A salt or ester of phosphoric acid, especially one that is used as a fertilizer.

“The agricultural company applied phosphate to the field to boost crop growth.”

2. noun

A compound containing phosphate groups.

“The researcher studied the phosphate in the sample to determine its chemical composition.”

3. verb

To convert (a substance) into a phosphate, especially by adding phosphoric acid.

“The chemist phosphate the compound to create a more stable form.”