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Fullerene: meaning, definitions and examples

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fullerene

 

[ ˈfʊləriːn ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

chemistry, material

Fullerenes are a class of carbon allotropes in which the carbon atoms are arranged in a hollow sphere, ellipsoid, or tube. They were discovered in 1985 and represent a new form of matter in nano-technology with potential applications in various fields, such as medicine and materials science.

Synonyms

buckyball, buckytube, carbon cage

Examples of usage

  • The discovery of fullerenes opened new avenues in nanotechnology research.
  • Fullerenes can be used in drug delivery systems.
  • Researchers study fullerenes for their unique electrical properties.

Translations

Translations of the word "fullerene" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fullereno

🇮🇳 फुलरिन

🇩🇪 Fulleren

🇮🇩 fullerene

🇺🇦 фуллерен

🇵🇱 fulleren

🇯🇵 フラーレン

🇫🇷 fullerène

🇪🇸 fullereno

🇹🇷 fulleren

🇰🇷 풀러렌

🇸🇦 فوليرين

🇨🇿 fulleren

🇸🇰 fulleren

🇨🇳 富勒烯

🇸🇮 fulleren

🇮🇸 fullerene

🇰🇿 фуллерен

🇬🇪 ფულერენი

🇦🇿 fulleren

🇲🇽 fullereno

Etymology

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.

Word Frequency Rank

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.