californium

[ kal-uh-fawr-nee-uhm ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a transuranic element. : Cf; : 98.

californium

/ ˌkælɪˈfɔːnɪəm /

noun

1. a metallic transuranic element artificially produced from curium. Symbol: Cf; atomic no: 98; half-life of most stable isotope, ²⁵¹Cf: 800 years (approx.)

californium

/ kăl′ə-fôr′nē-əm /

1. A synthetic, radioactive metallic element of the actinide series that is produced from curium or berkelium and is used in chemical analyses. Its most stable isotope, Cf 251, has a half-life of 800 years. Atomic number 98.
2. See Periodic Table

Word History and Origins

Origin of californium¹

1945–50; named after the University of California where it was discovered; -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of californium¹

C20: New Latin; discovered at the University of California

Example Sentences

As a proof of principle, Cederwall and colleagues focused on detection of californium-252, a readily available radioisotope widely used as a proxy for weapons-grade plutonium.

From Science Magazine

But the chase for 120 is on hold until researchers obtain the amount of californium—a rare element produced in high-flux nuclear reactors—needed for 120’s target.

From Science Magazine

Worse, the sample that the Berkeley researchers received was heavily contaminated with einsteinium’s periodic table neighbor, californium.

From New York Times

From copper to californium, we discover how the sober face of the periodic table hides dramatic backstories.

From Nature

In March 2018, investigators seized what they thought was 1.4 kilograms of californium, but that find actually turned out to be a natural substance with no radioactivity.

From Fox News