What does nihonium mean?
Nihonium is a synthetic chemical element with the atomic number 113. It is a highly radioactive, highly unstable element that is not found naturally on Earth. Nihonium was first synthesized in 2009 by a team of scientists at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Dubna, Russia, and was officially recognized as an element by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry in 2015. The element is named after Japan, or Nihon, in recognition of the country's contributions to the discovery of several superheavy elements.
nounNihonium is a synthetic chemical element with the atomic number 113.
- A synthetic chemical element with the atomic number 113
"The discovery of nihonium was a significant milestone in the field of chemistry."
"The team of scientists successfully synthesized nihonium in a laboratory experiment."
"Nihonium is one of the newest additions to the periodic table of elements."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of nihonium
Nihonium is named after Japan, or Nihon, in recognition of the country's contributions to the discovery of several superheavy elements. The name was officially approved by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry in 2015. Nihonium is a synthetic element, meaning it is not found naturally on Earth and can only be produced in a laboratory.
Usage notes
Formal and scientific contexts, often used in chemistry and physics.