heavy water

noun

1
: the compound D2O composed of deuterium and oxygen

called also deuterium oxide

2
: water enriched in deuterium

Examples of heavy water in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Data centers opponents often cite the facilities' heavy water and energy use, but Caledonia residents have other concerns — including a process that seemed secretive and lacking in details. Ricardo Torres, jsonline.com, 9 Oct. 2025 The researchers also measured the rotational mobility of heavy water molecules in this phase. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2025 Between four to six units received heavy water damage, Evans said. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2025 But its cover was blown in December 2002, when satellite photos emerged showing an enrichment site in the city of Natanz and a heavy water plant about 200 miles away in Arak. Dan De Luce, NBC news, 28 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for heavy water

Word History

First Known Use

1933, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of heavy water was in 1933

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Cite this Entry

“Heavy water.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heavy%20water. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

heavy water

noun
: water enriched in deuterium

Medical Definition

heavy water

noun
1
: the compound D2O composed of deuterium and oxygen

called also deuterium oxide

2
: water having a higher-than-usual proportion of deuterium among its hydrogen atoms

More from Merriam-Webster on heavy water

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