californium
noun
cal·i·for·ni·um
ˌka-lə-ˈfȯr-nē-əm 
: a radioactive chemical element with atomic number 98 that is produced artificially from the decay of berkelium and that is used chiefly as a neutron source in radiography and to start nuclear reactors see Chemical Elements Table
Examples of californium in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
It’s expected that more elements lay beyond the edge of the periodic table, but unfortunately californium is the heaviest element that can be used as a target – the next ones up are too unstable.
—
Michael Irving, New Atlas, 25 July 2024
This could be done by firing titanium at a californium target – although it’s expected to be an even rarer occurrence.
—Michael Irving, New Atlas, 25 July 2024
So for instance, to make the element oganesson, which has 118 protons, scientists usually fire a beam of calcium (with 20 protons) at a target made of californium (with 98 protons).
—Michael Irving, New Atlas, 25 July 2024
But the chase for 120 is on hold until researchers obtain the amount of californium—a rare element produced in high-flux nuclear reactors—needed for 120’s target.
—Daniel Clery, Science | AAAS, 12 Feb. 2021
Michael Irving, New Atlas, 25 July 2024
This could be done by firing titanium at a californium target – although it’s expected to be an even rarer occurrence.
—Michael Irving, New Atlas, 25 July 2024
So for instance, to make the element oganesson, which has 118 protons, scientists usually fire a beam of calcium (with 20 protons) at a target made of californium (with 98 protons).
—Michael Irving, New Atlas, 25 July 2024
But the chase for 120 is on hold until researchers obtain the amount of californium—a rare element produced in high-flux nuclear reactors—needed for 120’s target.
—Daniel Clery, Science | AAAS, 12 Feb. 2021
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'californium.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near californium
Cite this Entry
“Californium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/californium. Accessed 5 Oct. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
californium
noun
cal·i·for·ni·um
ˌkal-ə-ˈfȯr-nē-əm
: an artificially prepared radioactive element see element
Medical Definition
californium
noun
cal·i·for·ni·um
ˌkal-ə-ˈfȯr-nē-əm
: an artificially prepared radioactive element discovered by bombarding an isotope of curium with alpha particles
—symbol Cf
see Chemical Elements Table
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share