phosphore

phosphorus

noun fos-FOR Rare

Origin: From Greek phōsphoros, meaning 'light-bearer'.

Usage Note

Phosphore is the chemical element with symbol P, essential for bones and cellular energy (ATP). In everyday French, allumettes au phosphore refers to matches, and the adjective phosphorescent ('glowing in the dark') is derived from this root. The colloquial verb phosphorer means 'to rack one's brains'.

Examples

"Le phosphore est essentiel pour les os."

Natural Translation

Phosphorus is essential for bones.

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