uranium
UK: jʊˈreɪ.ni.əm | US: jʊˈreɪ.ni.əm
n. a radioactive metallic element (symbol U), used as fuel in nuclear reactors and weapons.
The word "uranium" was coined in 1789 by German chemist Martin Klaproth after the discovery of the planet Uranus (named after the Greek sky god Ouranos). The suffix "-ium" denotes it as a metallic element. Klaproth chose this name to reflect the celestial inspiration behind its discovery, aligning with the tradition of naming new elements after astronomical bodies (e.g., neptunium, plutonium).
Uranium is a key material in nuclear energy production.
The mine extracts uranium ore for industrial use.
Enriched uranium can be used in atomic weapons.
Scientists study uranium’s radioactive properties.
The reactor requires purified uranium-235 as fuel.