Uranium (Noun)
Meaning
A heavy toxic silvery-white radioactive metallic element; occurs in many isotopes; used for nuclear fuels and nuclear weapons.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- Uranium mining has been associated with several health risks and environmental concerns due to the element's radioactive properties.
- The nuclear reactor relied on a combination of graphite and uranium to sustain a controlled chain reaction.
- Because of its potential military applications, the export and trade of uranium is heavily regulated by international organizations.
- Scientists studied the atomic structure of uranium to better understand the properties and behavior of this highly radioactive element.
- The fuel rods in a nuclear power plant are typically made from enriched uranium, which contains an increased concentration of a radioactive isotope.