phosphorus UK /ˈfɒs.fə.ɹəs/US /ˈfɑs.fɚ.əs/ noun3 •A chemical element (symbol P) with an atomic number of 15, that exists in several allotropic forms. •An atom of this element. •(no longer used) Any substance exhibiting phosphorescence; a phosphor. formsphosphori · phosphoruses