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

A heavier form of hydrogen whose atoms contain a neutron as well as a proton.

"Deuterium is used to make heavy water for nuclear reactors."

How to use deuterium

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA heavier variant of hydrogen used in nuclear science.

Easily confused with

hydrogen →

Common pairings

deuterium oxide heavy water

Word forms

deuteriums plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “deuterium” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ is used to make heavy water for nuclear reactors.

Etymology

Coined by chemist Harold Urey from Greek deuteros ("second"), plus -ium.

Origin: Greek

Synonyms

View more →

heavy hydrogen

Rhymes for deuterium

opium sodium helium barium radium medium atrium podium Valium Belgium lithium calcium

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.