noun
californium
kal-ih-FOR-nee-um
Californium (noun) means a strongly radioactive transuranic chemical element with the symbol Cf and atomic number 98. Example: “Californium has the atomic number 98.”
noun
1
A strongly radioactive transuranic chemical element with the symbol Cf and atomic number 98.
"Californium has the atomic number 98."
"The chemical symbol for californium is Cf."
"Californium is a strongly radioactive element."
How to use californium
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA strongly radioactive man-made element, symbol Cf, atomic number 98.
When to use it
It is a scientific term, used mainly in chemistry and physics.
Common pairings
atomic number 98
a transuranic element
strongly radioactive
the symbol Cf
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_____ has the atomic number 98.
Etymology
It is formed from California plus the ending -ium. The element was first synthesised at what is now Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, so it is named after the university and the state of California.
Rhymes for californium
See all rhymes for californium →Frequently asked questions
What is californium?
Californium is a strongly radioactive transuranic element with the symbol Cf and atomic number 98.
Why is californium called californium?
It is named after the University of California and the U.S. state of California, where it was first synthesised.
How do you pronounce californium?
In General American it is kal-ih-FOR-nee-um, and in Received Pronunciation the r is not sounded: kal-ih-FAW-nee-um.
What is the meaning of californium?
"californium" (noun) means a strongly radioactive transuranic chemical element with the symbol Cf and atomic number 98.
