phosphide

This term is used exclusively within the domain of inorganic chemistry to describe a specific class of chemical compounds. It carries a neutral, technical connotation and is typically found in scientific literature, laboratory reports, and academic textbooks.

Because it refers to a specific chemical species, it is used in a precise manner to distinguish these compounds from phosphates, which contain oxygen. In a professional context, it is often paired with the name of the metal it is bonded with, such as calcium phosphide or zinc phosphide.