fullerene

noun

ful·​ler·​ene ˌfu̇-lə-ˈrēn 

: any of a class of closed hollow aromatic carbon compounds whose structures are made up of twelve pentagonal and differing numbers of hexagonal faces

especially : one having a roughly spherical shape

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

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 2015 the cation form of fullerene, C60+, was finally trapped in the lab, and scientists were able to conclusively measure its near-infrared spectrum. —Ryan C. Fortenberry, Scientific American, 1 Feb. 2020

Word History

Etymology

after R. Buckminster fuller; from the resemblance of the molecules to the geodesic domes designed by Fuller

First Known Use

1987, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

fullerene

noun

ful·​ler·​ene ˌfu̇l-ə-ˈrēn 

: any of various hollow carbon compounds