About
The Chinese character 磷 (lín) is the scientific term for the element phosphorus. It features the semantic radical 石 (shí) on the left, indicating it is a mineral or solid substance. The right component 粦 (lín) provides both the pronunciation and a relevant meaning, evoking the flickering light of a will-o'-the-wisp or graveyard glow. Historically, the character described thin, water-worn stones or luminous phenomena from decomposing matter. This existing character was therefore a fitting choice to represent the reactive, glow-in-the-dark element when scientific naming was standardized.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
磷是一种化学元素。
火柴头含有磷。
磷肥能促进植物生长。
磷酸常用于制造饮料。
水体中磷过量会导致藻类泛滥。
工业上从磷矿石中提取磷。
磷化氢是一种有毒的气体。
科学家正在研究如何回收污水中的磷。