Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Uranium Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

⚛️
Add to dictionary

uranium

[ˈjʊəreɪniəm ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

chemical element

Uranium is a silvery-white metallic element that is weakly radioactive. It is commonly used as fuel in nuclear reactors and in the production of nuclear weapons. Uranium has the atomic number 92 and is found in minute quantities in rocks and soil worldwide.

Synonyms

U, nuclear fuel, radioactive element.

Examples of usage

  • Uranium is used in both civilian and military applications.
  • Scientists study uranium to understand its properties.
  • Uranium mining is an important industry in some countries.
  • He works as a nuclear engineer specializing in uranium enrichment.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Uranium has isotopes, with Uranium-235 and Uranium-238 being the most common, used in nuclear reactors and weapons.
  • It is radioactive, which means it can emit energy in the form of radiation as it breaks down over time.

Environmental Impact

  • Mining for uranium can lead to environmental challenges, including contamination of water sources.
  • Waste produced from nuclear reactions using uranium must be carefully stored, as it can remain hazardous for thousands of years.

Pop Culture

  • Uranium has featured in movies like 'The China Syndrome,' which illustrated the dangers of nuclear power.
  • Its use in bombs during World War II marked a significant point in history and led to the Cold War era.

History

  • Uranium was first used for nuclear energy in the 1940s, which changed global politics and energy production.
  • Theorectically, uranium can be used to yield tremendous amounts of energy; the power of one pound can equal that from thousands of pounds of coal.

Origin of 'uranium'

Main points about word origin

  • The name comes from 'Uranus,' the seventh planet from the sun, named after the Greek god of the sky.
  • It was discovered in 1789 by Martin Heinrich Klaproth while he was looking for new elements and minerals.

The term 'uranium' was coined in 1789 by German chemist Martin Heinrich Klaproth, who discovered the element in a mineral called pitchblende after the discovery of the planet Uranus in 1781. The name was selected in honor of the planet, which had been named after the Roman god of the sky, Uranus. Uranium was first isolated as a metal in 1841 by the chemist Eugene-Melchior Péligot. The significance of uranium grew dramatically in the 20th century with the development of nuclear technology, particularly during World War II when it became a critical material for the Manhattan Project. Since then, uranium has played a crucial role in nuclear power generation and the creation of nuclear weapons, influencing global politics and energy policies.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,867 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.