Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Buckyball Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

⚽
Add to dictionary

buckyball

[ˈbʌkiˌbɔl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

chemistry structure

A buckyball, also known as a fullerene, is a spherical molecule composed entirely of carbon. Its structure resembles a soccer ball, featuring hexagonal and pentagonal arrangements of carbon atoms. Buckyballs exhibit unique chemical properties and have significant potential in various fields including nanotechnology and materials science. They were discovered in 1985 and are named after architect Buckminster Fuller due to their resemblance to geodesic domes he designed.

Synonyms

C60, carbon molecule, fullerene.

Examples of usage

  • Buckyballs have unique electrical properties.
  • Researchers are studying the potential uses of buckyballs in drug delivery.
  • The fascinating geometry of buckyballs makes them a subject of great interest in nanotechnology.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'buckyball'

The term 'buckyball' originated in the 1980s, deriving from the name of architect Buckminster Fuller, who popularized the geodesic dome design that resembles the molecular construct of these carbon atoms. The discovery of buckyballs (C60) occurred in 1985 by researchers Robert Curl, Harold Kroto, and Richard Smalley at Rice University. This groundbreaking work introduced an entirely new class of materials, known as fullerenes, comprised of carbon atoms arranged in closed structures, unlike traditional carbon allotropes such as graphite and diamond. This led to an explosion of research into fullerenes and their applications, particularly in nanotechnology, molecular electronics, and materials science. The unique properties of buckyballs, such as their stability, electron-accepting ability, and distinct physical characteristics, have propelled their study and potential applications in various scientific disciplines.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #42,526, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.