Diphosphide

/daɪˈfɒsfaɪd/ noun

Definition

A chemical compound or mineral containing two phosphorus atoms or two phosphide units, often found in metal-phosphorus combinations.

Etymology

From di- (two) + phosphide (phosphorus combined with a more electropositive element). Used in crystallography and mineralogy to describe natural and synthetic compounds.

Kelly Says

Some diphosphides can act as semiconductors—materials that conduct electricity better when warm or when light hits them—making them potentially useful for electronics that currently use rare or expensive materials.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.