English noun: phosphorus |
1. | phosphorus (substance) 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 |
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| Synonyms | atomic number 15, P |
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| Broader (hypernym) | chemical element, element |
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| Substance meronym | apatite |
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2. | Phosphorus (object) a planet (usually Venus) seen just before sunrise in the eastern sky |
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| Synonyms | daystar, Lucifer, morning star |
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| Broader (hypernym) | major planet, planet |
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