buckminsterfullerene

noun

buck·​min·​ster·​ful·​ler·​ene ˈbək-(ˌ)min-stər-ˌfu̇-lə-ˈrēn How to pronounce buckminsterfullerene (audio)
: a spherical fullerene C60 that is an extremely stable form of pure carbon, consists of interconnected pentagons and hexagons suggestive of the geometry of a geodesic dome, and is believed to be a major constituent of soot

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web In 1996, the Curls’ son, Robert, then a professor at Rice University, won the Nobel Prize in chemistry for his discovery with others of the nanomaterial buckminsterfullerene. Richard Marini, ExpressNews.com, 6 Aug. 2020 In 1996 Kroto, Curl and Smalley were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their roles in discovering the molecule, called buckminsterfullerene, or just fullerene (also known as a buckyball). Ryan C. Fortenberry, Scientific American, 1 Feb. 2020 In 1985, scientists actually synthesized something like them as buckminsterfullerene molecules (a name inspired by the architect Buckminster Fuller’s geodesic domes). Sam Roberts, New York Times, 30 July 2017 The spherical molecule, also known as buckminsterfullerene, led to the buckytube, carbon cunningly woven into a hollow pipe. Bruce Sterling, WIRED, 1 Dec. 2005

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'buckminsterfullerene.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

R. Buckminster Fuller

First Known Use

1985, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of buckminsterfullerene was in 1985

Dictionary Entries Near buckminsterfullerene

Cite this Entry

“Buckminsterfullerene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buckminsterfullerene. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

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