curium
noun
cu·ri·um
ˈkyu̇r-ē-əm 
ˈkyər-
: a metallic radioactive chemical element that is only produced artificially and that is used in spectrometers and in thermoelectric generators on spacecraft see Chemical Elements Table
Examples of curium in a Sentence
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The heaviest stable element that can be combined with calcium 48 (20 protons) is curium (96 protons), resulting in livermorium (116 protons).
—
Max Springer, Scientific American, 24 July 2024
Why are helium, curium, and barium the three main medical elements?
—Olivia Muenter, Woman's Day, 23 Mar. 2023
Along with americium, the discovery of curium was related to the top-secret Manhattan Project, so no announcement was made until WWII ended.
—Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 17 Sep. 2022
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Max Springer, Scientific American, 24 July 2024
Why are helium, curium, and barium the three main medical elements?
—Olivia Muenter, Woman's Day, 23 Mar. 2023
Along with americium, the discovery of curium was related to the top-secret Manhattan Project, so no announcement was made until WWII ended.
—Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 17 Sep. 2022
Cite this Entry
“Curium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curium. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
curium
noun
cu·ri·um
ˈkyu̇r-ē-əm
: a metallic radioactive element artificially produced see element
Medical Definition
curium
noun
cu·ri·um
ˈkyu̇r-ē-əm
: a metallic radioactive element produced artificially
—symbol Cm
see Chemical Elements Table
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