thallium

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a soft grey malleable metallic element that resembles tin but discolors on exposure to air; it is highly toxic and is used in rodent and insect poisons; occurs in zinc blende and some iron ores

Etymology

Coined based on Ancient Greek θαλλός (thallós, “green branch”) (after the color of the radiation spectra), + -ium.

Synonyms

Tl, atomic number 81

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