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
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In their purest form, rare earths aren't rocks but elemental metals – deep cuts on the periodic table, numbers 57-through-71 and two others, for those scoring at home. Jon Wertheim, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026 Every character has an adorable quirk or two, or at minimum owns a dorky T-shirt with a periodic table joke or a cartoon cat. Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026 Neodymium is a rare earth, one of the minerals near the bottom of the periodic table that are crucial for everyday life. Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026 Tabletops in the center of the room are decorated with the periodic table of elements. John Meyer, Denver Post, 6 Jan. 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Periodic table.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/periodic%20table. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.

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

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