O OneWordDaily
AI-generated image

meitnerium

/maɪtˈneɪriəm/ noun · British & US
Valid in UKValid in US
Share WhatsApp

What does meitnerium mean?

Meitnerium is a synthetic, highly radioactive, metallic element with the atomic number 109. It is named after Austrian-Swedish physicist Lise Meitner and is not found naturally on Earth. Meitnerium has a very short half-life and is produced synthetically through particle acceleration. Its properties are not well understood due to its highly radioactive nature and limited availability. The element is of interest primarily to researchers in chemistry and physics.

noun

Meitnerium is a synthetic, highly radioactive, metallic element with the atomic number 109.

Senses
  1. A synthetic chemical element with the symbol Mt and atomic number 109.
Example

"The discovery of meitnerium was announced in 1982 by a team of scientists at the Gesellschaft für Schwerionenforschung in Darmstadt."

More examples

"The synthesis of meitnerium involves bombarding atoms of bismuth with accelerated nuclei of iron."

"Meitnerium is a highly radioactive element with a very short half-life."

Plural meitneriums

Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Etymology of meitnerium

Meitnerium is named after Austrian-Swedish physicist Lise Meitner. The element was first synthesized in 1982 by a team of scientists at the Gesellschaft für Schwerionenforschung in Darmstadt. The name was officially approved by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry in 1992.

Usage notes

Meitnerium is a highly specialized term used primarily in chemistry and physics.

Rhymes with meitnerium