francium

[ fran-see-uhm ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a radioactive element of the alkali metal group. : Fr; : 87.

francium

/ ˈfrænsɪəm /

noun

1. an unstable radioactive element of the alkali-metal group, occurring in minute amounts in uranium ores. Symbol: Fr; atomic no: 87; half-life of most stable isotope, ²²³Fr: 22 minutes; valency: 1; melting pt: 27°C; boiling pt: 677°C

francium

/ frăn′sē-əm /

1. An extremely unstable, radioactive element of the alkali group. It is the heaviest metal of the group. Francium occurs in nature, but less than 28.35 g (1 oz) is present in the Earth's crust at any time. It has approximately 19 isotopes, the most stable of which is Fr 223 with a half-life of 21 minutes. Atomic number 87; valence 1.
2. See Periodic Table

Word History and Origins

Origin of francium¹

1945–50; after France where first identified; -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of francium¹

C20: from New Latin, from France + -ium ; so-called because first found in France

Example Sentences

Lithium, sodium and potassium, which nicely align in the table’s first vertical column — Group One, the alkali metals, with rubidium, cesium, and francium — all have one electron in their outer electron shell.

From New York Times

The team’s proposed name follows suit with other atomic elements like polonium named after Poland, francium after France, and americium after the United States.

From Time

It will also not be the only element to be named after a country, having been proceeded by polonium and francium after the places they were discovered.

From Reuters

It is evident in entries like francium, germanium, scandium, polonium, europium, californium, berkelium and americium.

From New York Times

The last of the original 92 elements to be discovered was element 87, francium.

From Project Gutenberg