plutonium

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun a solid silvery grey radioactive transuranic element whose atoms can be split when bombarded with neutrons; found in minute quantities in uranium ores but is usually synthesized in nuclear reactors; 13 isotopes are known with the most important being plutonium 239

After Pluto (dwarf planet) + -n- + -ium. More in Wikipedia at plutonium § History.

The freighter's cargo of plutonium was gone. — The Misplaced Battleship, Harry Harrison
There's even talk that the missing Plutonium that the Israelis theoretically stole in 1981 was actually a computer error." — Terminal Compromise, Winn Schwartau

Pu, atomic number 94

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