How to pronounce phosphorous
Say it like FOS-fuh-rus. Phosphorous has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FOS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce phosphorous. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- FOS
- fuh
- rus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Phosphorous pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- FOSSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- fuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- rusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of phosphorous
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: FOS-fuh-rus.
What does phosphorous mean?
- Of or pertaining to phosphorus.
- Resembling phosphorus.
- Of, relating to, or containing trivalent phosphorus.
Where does phosphorous come from?
From phosphorus + -ous.
Words that rhyme with phosphorous
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of phosphorous.
Words that sound like phosphorous
Questions about saying phosphorous
How do you pronounce phosphorous?
Say FOS-fuh-rus. The American pronunciation is /ˈfɑsfərəs/. In British English it is /ˈfɒsfərəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in phosphorous?
Phosphorous has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FOS). Broken into parts: FOS · fuh · rus.
Is phosphorous pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈfɒsfərəs/ (FOS-fuh-rus).
What words sound the same as phosphorous?
Phosphorous sounds the same as phosphorus in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.