superheavy

[ soo-per-hev-ee ]

adjective

, su·per·heav·i·er, su·per·heav·i·est.

1. Chemistry, Physics. pertaining to any of a series of elements having an atomic number greater than 103.
2. heavier than usual for its kind:

   a superheavy oil; superheavy magnetic monopoles.

superheavy

/ ˌsuːpəˈhɛvɪ /

adjective

1. physics denoting or relating to elements of high atomic number (above 109) postulated to exist with special stability as a consequence of the shell model of the nucleus

Word History and Origins

Origin of superheavy¹

First recorded in 1820–30; super- ( def ) + heavy ( def )

Example Sentences

Many decades have passed since this image emerged, so it is time to take a fresh look at the stability of superheavy nuclei and see where the journey to the limits of mass and charge might lead us.

From Science Daily

This raises questions such as how many more of these superheavy species are waiting to be discovered, where -- if at all -- is a fundamental limit in the creation of these elements, and what are the characteristics of the so-called island of enhanced stability.

From Science Daily

In a recent review, experts in theoretical and experimental chemistry and physics of the heaviest elements and their nuclei summarize the major challenges and offer a fresh view on new superheavy elements and the limit of the periodic table.

From Science Daily

This led to the notion of a so-called island of stability of superheavy nuclei separated from uranium and its neighbors by a sea of instability.

From Science Daily

In their recent paper titled "The quest for superheavy elements and the limit of the periodic table," the authors describe the current state of knowledge and the most important challenges in the field of these superheavies.

From Science Daily