Po (Noun)
Meaning 1
A radioactive metallic element that is similar to tellurium and bismuth; occurs in uranium ores but can be produced by bombarding bismuth with neutrons in a nuclear reactor.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- Po is a highly radioactive and highly volatile metalloid that forms a range of compounds similar to those of tellurium and bismuth.
- The only notable application of po-210 is for antispallation neutron sources and for alpha particle X-ray spectrometers used in scientific analysis of the Martian surface in several space missions.
- It was discovered in 1898 as an intensely radioactive substance in pitchblende, a uranium ore from which it was isolated in 1902, and subsequently characterised electromagnetically.
- Po is more than one hundred times as toxic as lead, with just 50 nanograms producing radiation doses at one hundred times lethal in the body.
- One special use of this radioisotope is in the polonium-beryllium initator for atomic bombs due to its high rate of neutron emission after alpha decay.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Meaning 2
A European river; flows into the Adriatic Sea.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural objects (not man-made).
Examples
- The Po is a major river in northern Italy that flows into the Adriatic Sea.
- The Po River is approximately 652 kilometers long and flows through several Italian cities.
- The Po's drainage basin covers a significant portion of northern Italy and parts of neighboring countries.
- The river Po is known for its fertile delta and is an important source of freshwater for irrigation.
- The Po's mouth is located near the city of Venice, where it empties into the Adriatic Sea.
Synonyms
Meaning 3
An independent agency of the federal government responsible for mail delivery (and sometimes telecommunications) between individuals and businesses in the United States.
Classification
Nouns denoting groupings of people or objects.
Examples
- The po has been a vital institution in American life for centuries.
- After graduating from college, she landed a job at the local po, sorting mail and delivering packages.
- The po offers a variety of shipping options, including express mail and package tracking.
- You can pay bills and buy stamps at the po, as well as send faxes and use other business services.
- The po is facing financial challenges due to declining mail volumes and increased competition from private carriers.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Meaning 4
A noncommissioned officer in the Navy or Coast Guard with a rank comparable to sergeant in the Army.
Classification
Nouns denoting people.
Examples
- The petty officer, or PO, was in charge of the deck crew during the morning watch.
- After serving for 10 years, she was promoted to PO and given a leadership role on her ship.
- The PO was responsible for training new recruits and ensuring they met the Navy's standards.
- As a PO, he was eligible to take advanced courses and specialize in a particular area of expertise.
- The PO's experience and knowledge made him a valuable asset to the team during the difficult mission.