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californium
noun
cal·i·for·ni·um
ˌka-lə-ˈfȯr-nē-əm
: a radioactive chemical element with atomic number 98 that is produced artificially from the decay of berkelium and that is used chiefly as a neutron source in radiography and to start nuclear reactors see Chemical Elements Table
Examples of californium in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
—Daniel Clery, Science | AAAS, 12 Feb. 2021
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'californium.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
New Latin, from California, U.S.
First Known Use
1950, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near californium
Cite this Entry
“Californium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/californium. Accessed 10 Jun. 2024.
Kids Definition
californium
noun
cal·i·for·ni·um
ˌkal-ə-ˈfȯr-nē-əm
: an artificially prepared radioactive element see element
Medical Definition
californium
noun
cal·i·for·ni·um
ˌkal-ə-ˈfȯr-nē-əm
: an artificially prepared radioactive element discovered by bombarding an isotope of curium with alpha particles
—symbol Cf
see Chemical Elements Table
More from Merriam-Webster on californium
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about californium
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