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Tritium: meaning, definitions and examples

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tritium

 

[ ˈtrɪtiəm ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

chemistry element

Tritium is a radioactive isotope of hydrogen with a nucleus containing one proton and two neutrons. It is used primarily in nuclear fusion reactions and as a tracer in scientific research. Tritium is also employed in self-luminous devices, such as watches and aircraft exit signs.

Synonyms

hydrogen-3

Examples of usage

  • Tritium is commonly used in nuclear fusion experiments.
  • The watch contains a small amount of tritium for illumination.
  • Scientists applied tritium as a tracer in their study.

Translations

Translations of the word "tritium" in other languages:

🇵🇹 trítio

🇮🇳 त्रिटियम

🇩🇪 Tritium

🇮🇩 tritium

🇺🇦 тритій

🇵🇱 tryt

🇯🇵 トリチウム

🇫🇷 tritium

🇪🇸 tritio

🇹🇷 trityum

🇰🇷 트리튬

🇸🇦 تريتيوم

🇨🇿 tritium

🇸🇰 tritium

🇨🇳 氚

🇸🇮 tritij

🇮🇸 trítiur

🇰🇿 тритий

🇬🇪 ტრიტიუმი

🇦🇿 tritium

🇲🇽 tritio

Etymology

The term 'tritium' originates from the Greek word 'tritos', meaning 'third', reflecting its status as the third isotope of hydrogen. Tritium was first discovered in 1934 by scientists Ernest Rutherford, Mark Oliphant, and Paul Harteck, during experiments on nuclear reactions. Its radioactive properties were recognized soon after, leading to its classification as a radioactive isotope. Tritium is produced naturally in the environment as a result of cosmic ray interactions with atmospheric gases, but it can also be manufactured through reactions involving lithium. The scientific exploration of tritium has expanded significantly, particularly in the context of nuclear fusion research, where it serves as a critical fuel source. Over the decades, tritium has also found applications beyond fusion, notably in the fields of nuclear medicine and environmental tracking, solidifying its importance in both science and technology.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,074, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.