Uranium: meaning, definitions and examples
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uranium
[ ˈjʊəreɪniəm ]
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
Translations of the word "uranium" in other languages:
🇵🇹 urânio
🇮🇳 यूरेनियम
🇩🇪 Uran
🇮🇩 uranium
🇺🇦 ураніум
🇵🇱 uran
🇯🇵 ウラン
🇫🇷 uranium
🇪🇸 uranio
🇹🇷 uranyum
🇰🇷 우라늄
🇸🇦 يورانيوم
🇨🇿 urán
🇸🇰 urán
🇨🇳 铀
🇸🇮 uran
🇮🇸 úran
🇰🇿 уран
🇬🇪 ურანი
🇦🇿 uran
🇲🇽 uranio
Etymology
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.
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- 5864 qualification
- 5865 respectfully
- 5866 acceleration
- 5867 uranium
- 5868 jacket
- 5869 elder
- 5870 constructing
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