thallium
2 synonyms and 0 antonyms for thallium, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A soft, gray metallic chemical element (symbol Tl, atomic number 81) that tarnishes quickly in air and is highly toxic.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
Named from Greek thallos, "green shoot," because the element produces a bright green line in its spectrum.
Full origin of thallium →Frequently asked questions
What does “thallium” mean?
The word “thallium” means a soft, gray metallic chemical element (symbol Tl, atomic number 81) that tarnishes quickly in air and is highly toxic. In plain terms, a poisonous gray metal used mainly in electronics and, historically, poisons.
How do you pronounce “thallium”?
“Thallium” is pronounced THA-lee-uhm (/ˈθæliəm/ in IPA).
How do you use “thallium” in a sentence?
Here is “thallium” used in a sentence: “Thallium was once used in rat poison before its toxicity led to bans.”
What part of speech is “thallium”?
“Thallium” is a noun.
Where does the word “thallium” come from?
The word “thallium” comes from Greek. Named from Greek thallos, "green shoot," because the element produces a bright green line in its spectrum.