A process (catalysed by enzymes) involving the transfer of a phosphate group from a donor to a suitable acceptor; in general, an ester linkage is formed, for example:
ATP + alcohol
ADP + phosphate ester.
Source:
PAC, 1997, 69, 1251. 'Glossary of terms used in bioinorganic chemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1997)' on page 1291 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199769061251)