phosphate

/ˈfɑsfeɪt/
noun
  1. A chemical compound containing phosphorus and oxygen, often used in fertilizers, detergents, and foods.
    • The lab tested the water sample for phosphate pollution.
    • Farmers add phosphate to the soil to help crops grow.
    • Many laundry detergents used to contain high levels of phosphate.
  2. A fizzy drink made with flavored syrup and carbonated water, popular in the past.
    • At the old-fashioned soda fountain, I ordered a cherry phosphate.
    • The diner still serves classic phosphate drinks with vanilla syrup.
    • My grandmother remembers drinking lemon phosphates as a child.
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