In chemistry terms the difference between phosphorous and nonmetal
is that phosphorous is of relating to or containing trivalent phosphorus while nonmetal is an element, such as phosphorus or chlorine, that does not have the chemical or physical properties of a metal.
As an adjective phosphorous
is of or pertaining to phosphorus.
As a noun nonmetal is
an element, such as phosphorus or chlorine, that does not have the chemical or physical properties of a metal.
phosphorous
English
Adjective
(head)
(chemistry) Of or pertaining to phosphorus.
Resembling phosphorus.
(chemistry) Of relating to or containing trivalent phosphorus.
Usage notes
* Do not confuse phosphorous' with ' phosphorus , which is the noun.
Synonyms
* (of or pertaining to phosphorus ): phosphoric
* (resembling phosphorus ): phosphoric
Derived terms
* hypophosphorous acid
* phosphorous acid
* phosphorous anhydride
* phosphorous chloride
Related terms
* phosphoric
* phosphorus
See also
* phosphoric
nonmetal
Alternative forms
* non-metal
Noun
(
en noun)
(chemistry) an element, such as phosphorus or chlorine, that does not have the chemical or physical properties of a metal