An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. Nonmetallic chemical element; symbol P. → Atomic number 15; → atomic weight 30.97376; → melting point 44.1°C; → boiling point about 280°C. It was discovered by the German merchant Hennig Brand in 1669.
   
2. Greek name for the planet → Venus when it appears as a → morning star.

Etymology (EN): L. Phosphorus “morning star,” from Gk. Phosphoros “morning star,” literally “light bearing,” from phos “light” + phoros “bearer,” from pherein “to carry,” cognate with Pers. bordan “to carry, lead” (→ periphery).
The chemical element is such called because of its white color.

Etymology (PE): 1) Fosfor, loan from Fr.
2) → morning star.