Dictionary entry

Phosphorous

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Phos″phor‐ous (fŏs″fŏr‐ŭs), a. [Cf. F. phosphoreux.] (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.