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plutonium

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Plutonium is a radioactive metal that is silvery-grey in colour. It is very dense and heavy, and it is also very toxic. Plutonium is a man-made element that is not found naturally on Earth.

Plutonium is used in nuclear weapons and nuclear reactors. It is also used in some medical applications, such as cancer treatment.

How can the word be used?

The disposal of plutonium is a major challenge for nuclear weapons states.

plutonium

Different forms of the word

Noun:

  • plutonium (a chemical element with the symbol Pu and atomic number 94).
  • plutonium-239 (an isotope of plutonium that is fissile).
  • plutonium-241 (an isotope of plutonium that is used in smoke detectors).

Adjective:

  • plutonium (of or relating to plutonium).
  • plutonium-based (made from plutonium).

Etymology

The word "plutonium" is named after Pluto, the Roman god of the underworld.

The word "plutonium" was first used in English in 1940. It was named by Glenn T. Seaborg, who was one of the scientists who discovered the element.

The root of the word "plutonium" is the Latin word "Pluton", which is the name of the Roman god of the underworld.

So, the word "plutonium" literally means "of or relating to Pluto". This is a reference to the fact that plutonium is a highly radioactive element that is associated with death and destruction.

Question

Where is plutonium used?