periodic table

noun

: an arrangement of chemical elements based on the periodic law
periodic table table

Examples of periodic table in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
View gallery - 3 images Scientists at the Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory are using the 88-Inch Cyclotron to help steady the famous periodic table of elements one atom at a time where it's gone a bit wobbly at the heavy element end. David Szondy august 27, New Atlas, 27 Aug. 2025 Supernovae can create even heavier elements, completing the periodic table of elements. ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2025 Rare earths refer to 17 elements on the periodic table whose atomic structure gives them special magnetic properties. Magdalena Petrova,jeniece Pettitt,jason Reginato, CNBC, 29 July 2025 For everything past iron on the periodic table, a different origin story is needed. Jenna Ahart, Quanta Magazine, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for periodic table

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of periodic table was in 1890

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Periodic table.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/periodic%20table. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

periodic table

noun
: an arrangement of chemical elements in order of atomic number that groups elements with common characteristics in the same area of the table

Medical Definition

periodic table

noun
: an arrangement of chemical elements based on the periodic law

More from Merriam-Webster on periodic table

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!