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Marie Curie

Definition

Marie Curie was a Polish and naturalised French physicist and chemist who conducted pioneering research on radioactivity. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, the first person and only woman to win the Nobel Prize twice, and the only person to win the Nobel Prize in two different scientific fields.

Curie was born in Warsaw, Poland, in 1867. She studied at the University of Paris, where she was one of only two women in her class. She earned her PhD in 1893 and then began researching radioactivity with her husband, Pierre Curie.

In 1898, the Curies discovered polonium and radium, two radioactive elements. They continued to research radioactivity for many years, and in 1903 they were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for their work.

Curie continued to conduct research on radioactivity after her husband's death in 1906. She founded the Radium Institute in Paris, and she worked there until her death in 1934.

Marie Curie was a brilliant scientist and a pioneer in the field of radioactivity. Her work has had a lasting impact on our understanding of the universe. She was also a role model for women in science, and she inspired many young women to pursue careers in STEM fields.

How can the word be used?

Marie Curie was a brilliant physicist who made significant contributions to our understanding of radioactivity.

Marie Curie

Different forms of the word

Noun:

  • A Polish and naturalised-French physicist and chemist who conducted pioneering research on radioactivity. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, the first person and only woman to win the Nobel Prize twice, and the only person to win the Nobel Prize in two different scientific fields.

Adjective:

  • Relating to or associated with Marie Curie.

Etymology

The name "Marie Curie" is of French origin. It is a compound name, made up of the following elements:

Marie: This is a common female name of French origin, meaning "star of the sea".

Curie: This is a surname of French origin, meaning "of the church".

Question

What is Marie Curie famous for?