keemiliste elementide perioodilisussüsteemi V rühma element, mittemetall; järjenumber 15, aatommass 30,97
a nonmetallic element belonging to group 15 (formerly VB) of the periodic table; a.n. 15; r.a.m. 30.9738; r.d. 1.82 (white), 2.34 (red); m.p. 44.1°C (α-white); b.p. 280°C (α-white)
Phosphorus is an essential element for living organisms. It is an important constituent of tissues (especially bones and teeth) and of cells, being required for the formation of nucleic acids and energy-carrying molecules (e.g. ATP) and also involved in various metabolic reactions.