noun
deuterium
dyoo-TEER-reerm
Deuterium (noun) means a heavier form of hydrogen whose atoms contain a neutron as well as a proton. Example: “Deuterium is used to make heavy water for nuclear reactors.”
noun
1
A heavier form of hydrogen whose atoms contain a neutron as well as a proton.
"Heavy water is "heavy" because it contains deuterium."
"Deuterium is used to make heavy water for nuclear reactors."
How to use deuterium
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA heavier variant of hydrogen used in nuclear science.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
deuterium oxide
heavy water
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Word forms
- Plural
- deuteriums
Fill the gap
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_____ is used to make heavy water for nuclear reactors.
Etymology
Coined by chemist Harold Urey from Greek deuteros ("second"), plus -ium.
Synonyms
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heavy hydrogen
Rhymes for deuterium
See all rhymes for deuterium →Frequently asked questions
What does “deuterium” mean?
The word “deuterium” means a heavier form of hydrogen whose atoms contain a neutron as well as a proton. In plain terms, a heavier variant of hydrogen used in nuclear science.
How do you pronounce “deuterium”?
“Deuterium” is pronounced dyoo-TEER-reerm (/djuːˈtɪɹi.əm/ in IPA).
How do you use “deuterium” in a sentence?
Here is “deuterium” used in a sentence: “Deuterium is used to make heavy water for nuclear reactors.”
What part of speech is “deuterium”?
“Deuterium” is a noun.
Where does the word “deuterium” come from?
The word “deuterium” comes from Greek. Coined by chemist Harold Urey from Greek deuteros ("second"), plus -ium.
