Medical term:

phosphorus

(P) [fos´for-us]

a chemical element, atomic number 15, atomic weight 30.974. (See Appendix 6.) Phosphorus is an essential element in the diet; in the form of phosphates it is a major component of the mineral phase of bone and is involved in almost all metabolic processes. It also plays an important role in cell metabolism. It is obtained by the body from milk products, cereals, meat, and fish, and its use by the body is controlled by vitamin D and calcium.

Free phosphorus is very inflammable and exceedingly poisonous; ingestion causes fatty degeneration of the liver and other viscera. Inhalation of its vapor by workers in chemical industries may cause necrosis of the mandible (phosphonecrosis). adj., adj phosphor´ous.

phosphorus 32 a radioisotope of phosphorus having a half-life of 14.28 days and emitting only beta particles, used as a radiopharmaceutical. As the sodium salt its therapeutic uses include treatment of polycythemia vera, chronic granulocytic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and palliation of metastatic skeletal disease. As a colloid with chromium its uses include treatment of certain ovarian and prostate carcinomas and of intraperitoneal and intrapleural malignant effusions resulting from metatstatic disease. Symbol ³²P.

phos·pho·rus (P),

(fos'fō-rŭs), Do not confuse this word with phosphorous.

A nonmetallic chemical element, atomic no. 15, atomic wt. 30.973762, occurring extensively in nature, always in compounds such as phosphates and phosphites and as the phosphate in every living cell; the elemental form is extremely poisonous, causing intense inflammation and fatty degeneration; repeated inhalation of phosphorus fumes may cause necrosis of the jaw (phosphonecrosis); the approximate fatal dose is 50-100 mg.

[G. phosphoros, fr. phōs, light, + phoros, bearing]

Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

phosphorus

A nonmetallic element (atomic number 15, atomic weight 30.97) which is a principal intracellular anion. Phosphorus plays key roles in biochemical synthesis, storage and use of energy in cells through the formation of high-energy phosphate bonds; it is intimately linked to the regulation of calcium levels, carbohydrate, lipid and acid-base metabolism. Phosphorus is essential to bone and tooth formation; 85% of the body’s phosphorus and phosphates are stored in bone.

Dietary source
Dairy, fish, legumes, meats, nuts, poultry, whole grains.

Phosphorus

Homeopathy
A homeopathic remedy formulated from phosphorus used for anaemia, circulatory defects, fatigue, gastrointestinal (nausea due to food poisoning) and respiratory (asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia) tract complaints, burning chest pains, gastritis, haemorrhage, insomnia, menstrual dysfunction, nasal polyps, nosebleeds and tension.

phos·pho·rus

(fos'fŏr-ŭs)

A nonmetallic chemical element, atomic no. 15, atomic wt. 30.973762, occurring extensively in nature, always in chemical combination; the elemental form is extremely poisonous, causing intense inflammation and fatty degeneration; repeated inhalation of phosphorus fumes may cause necrosis of the jaw (phosphonecrosis).

[G. phosphoros, fr. phōs, light, + phoros, bearing]

phos·pho·rus

(fos'fŏr-ŭs)

A nonmetallic chemical element, occurring extensively in nature; the elemental form is extremely poisonous, causing intense inflammation and fatty degeneration; repeated inhalation of phosphorus fumes may cause necrosis of the jaw (phosphonecrosis).

[G. phosphoros, fr. phōs, light, + phoros, bearing]

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