phosphorous Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective containing or characteristic of phosphorus
    phosphoric.
    • phosphoric acid

WordNet

Phos"phor*ous adjective
Etymology
Cf. F. phosphoreux.
Definitions
  1. (Chem.) Of or pertaining to phosphorus; resembling or containing phosphorus; specifically, designating those compounds in which phosphorus has a lower valence as contrasted with phosphoric compounds; as, phosphorous acid, H3PO3.

Webster 1913