-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
protactinium
noun
prot·ac·tin·i·um
ˌprō-ˌtak-ˈti-nē-əm
: 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
Dictionary Entries Near protactinium
Cite this Entry
“Protactinium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protactinium. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
Kids Definition
protactinium
noun
prot·ac·tin·i·um
ˌprōt-ˌak-ˈtin-ē-əm
: a shiny metallic radioactive element of short life see element
Medical Definition
protactinium
noun
prot·ac·tin·i·um
ˌprōt-ˌak-ˈtin-ē-əm
variants
also protoactinium
: a shiny metallic radioelement of relatively short life
—symbol Pa
see Chemical Elements Table
More from Merriam-Webster on protactinium
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about protactinium
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share