protactinium

noun

prot·​ac·​tin·​i·​um ˌprō-ˌtak-ˈti-nē-əm How to pronounce protactinium (audio)
: a shiny radioactive metallic element of relatively short life see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of protactinium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web These natural uranium isotopes decay into the element thorium, which in turn decays into protactinium, and each has its own isotopes. Artemis Spyrou, The Conversation, 24 May 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'protactinium.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1918, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of protactinium was in 1918

Dictionary Entries Near protactinium

Cite this Entry

“Protactinium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protactinium. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

protactinium

noun
prot·​ac·​tin·​i·​um ˌprōt-ˌak-ˈtin-ē-əm How to pronounce protactinium (audio)
: a shiny metallic radioactive element of short life see element

Medical Definition

protactinium

noun
prot·​ac·​tin·​i·​um ˌprōt-ˌak-ˈtin-ē-əm How to pronounce protactinium (audio)
variants also protoactinium
: a shiny metallic radioelement of relatively short life
symbol Pa
see Chemical Elements Table

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