uranium

[yoo-rey-nee-uhm]

noun

Chemistry.

1. a white, lustrous, radioactive, metallic element, occurring in pitchblende, and having compounds that are used in photography and in coloring glass. The 235 isotope is used in atomic and hydrogen bombs and as a fuel in nuclear reactors. U; 238.03; 92; 19.07.

uranium

/ jʊˈreɪnɪəm /

noun

1. a radioactive silvery-white metallic element of the actinide series. It occurs in several minerals including pitchblende, carnotite, and autunite and is used chiefly as a source of nuclear energy by fission of the radioisotope uranium-235 . Symbol: U; atomic no: 92; atomic wt: 238.0289; half-life of most stable isotope, ²³⁸ U: 451 × 10 ⁹ years; valency: 2-6; relative density: 18.95 (approx.); melting pt: 1135°C; boiling pt: 4134°C

uranium

1. A heavy, silvery-white, highly toxic, radioactive metallic element of the actinide series. It has 14 known isotopes, of which U 238 is the most naturally abundant, occurring in several minerals. Fissionable isotopes, especially U 235, are used in nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons. Atomic number 92; atomic weight 238.03; melting point 1,132°C; boiling point 3,818°C; specific gravity 18.95; valence 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

2. See Periodic Table

uranium

1. A chemical element that is naturally radioactive. An isotope of uranium, uranium 235, is the main fuel for nuclear reactors and atomic bombs (see also atomic bomb). Its symbol is U. (See fission and chain reaction.)

Word History and Origins

Origin of uranium¹

From New Latin, dating back to 1790–1800; Uranus, -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of uranium¹

C18: from New Latin, from _Uranus ²; from the fact that the element was discovered soon after the planet

Example Sentences

A nuclear agreement between the U.S. and South Korea, revised in 2015, bars Seoul from enriching uranium and reprocessing spent nuclear fuel without Washington’s consent, due to concerns of Seoul building its own nuclear program.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Solstice also provides uranium hexafluoride conversion and related services to utilities operating nuclear power plants.

Read more on Barron's

Three Chinese nationals have been arrested in Georgia on suspicion of attempting to illegally purchase 2kg of uranium.

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Japan purchased a uranium mine External link and poured hundreds of millions of dollars into mining ventures in both Kazakhstan External link and Uzbekistan External link.

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In addition, they have discussed granting the U.S. expanded access to the country’s uranium supply, according to people with knowledge of the conversations.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal