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

Recent Examples on the Web

Minor actinides, including neptunium, americium, and curium, are transuranic elements produced in nuclear fuel during reactor operation. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 1 May 2026

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

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Marie & Pierre Curie

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for curium

• tellurium

Kids 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