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phossy jaw

/ ˈfɒsɪ /

noun

  1. a gangrenous condition of the lower jawbone caused by prolonged exposure to phosphorus fumes

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Word History and Origins

Origin of phossy jaw1

C19: phossy, colloquial shortening of phosphorus

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Example Sentences

The inhalation of the fumes of phosphorus, as in making vermin-killers, etc., gives rise to 'phossy-jaw.'

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