Fullerene Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Science

• Fullerenes can form different shapes, like the well-known soccer ball shape or elongated tubes called carbon nanotubes.
• These molecules show unique properties, like great strength and the ability to conduct electricity, making them of interest for future technologies.
• They are a key area of study in nanotechnology, where scientists hope to use them in drug delivery and materials science.

Pop Culture

• Fullerenes were a popular topic in the 1990s, leading to a surge in interest in nanotechnology and their applications.
• In various science fiction contexts, materials similar to fullerenes are often depicted as advanced materials used in futuristic gadgets.

Health

• Research on fullerenes suggests they might have antioxidant properties, potentially helping in medicinal applications.
• Their unique structure allows them to encapsulate drugs, leading to innovative methods for targeted drug delivery in the body.

Environment

• Scientists are exploring the use of fullerenes in creating materials that can clean contaminants in water.
• Fullerenes could play a role in solar panel technology by improving efficiency through better light absorption.

Main points about word origin

• The name 'fullerene' comes from Buckminster Fuller, an architect known for creating domes that resemble these structures.
• The suffix ‘-ene’ indicates the presence of double bonds in the carbon atoms, similar to many chemical compounds.

The term 'fullerene' was coined in 1990, deriving from the name of the American architect Richard Buckminster Fuller. Fuller was known for his geodesic dome designs, which resemble the structure of these molecules. The first fullerene to be discovered was C60, often referred to as 'buckminsterfullerene' or 'buckyball', due to its spherical shape and resemblance to the geodesic domes designed by Fuller. The unique chemical and physical properties of fullerenes arise from their hollow structures, allowing them to encapsulate other molecules and participate in various reactions. Since their discovery, fullerenes have garnered significant interest in materials science and nanotechnology, leading to research on their applications in electronics, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy.

This word's position of #31,997 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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• 31997 fullerene
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