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Glite Dictionary
promethium

promethium

1 9.9
A rare silvery metal that is radioactive and used in glow paint for watches
  • noun
  • /proʊˈmiːθiəm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : prometio
  • Ah, Jacob Marinsky co-discovered promethium, element 61, while doing defense-related activity in Oakridge, Tennessee.

Examples

  • From 1953 to 1956, the RCA researchers continued their betavoltaic investigations, using 90Sr, 90Y, and also promethium-147, whose beta particles are less energetic.

    Academic text (2012)

  • Promethium is often used in promethium luminescent paint and as a beta-emitter in various types of nuclear batteries.

  • Promethium (Z = 61), the only other element lighter than lead that has no stable isotopes, was first made in the laboratory in 1945.

    Academic text (2006)

  • The element promethium is known for its soft, silvery appearance and radioactive properties.

  • In nuclear chemistry, promethium is notable for being one of the few radioactive elements without stable isotopes.

Synonyms

Pm
vspromethium
  • Specialized
9.9

A soft silvery metal from the rare earth group that gives off radiation and has no stable forms

includes that but highlights radioactivity as a defining property
atomic number 61
vspromethium
  • Specialized
9.9

A soft silver metal from the rare earth group that is radioactive and has no stable forms

mentions radioactivity explicitly rather than only naming and features

Surface Forms

promethium singular
promethiums plural

Morphology

promethium = Prometheus (opaque) = Prometheus + ium

Although the suffix '-ium' indicates a chemical element, the connection to the mythological name is proper-noun naming and does not help an average learner infer the meaning 'a radioactive element'.

Etymology

Promethium is named after the Greek hero Prometheus, who stole 'fire' for humans. Because promethium gives off energy and can make light, the name helps you remember its fiery, energetic nature.