noun

promethium

proh-MEE-thee-um

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Promethium (noun) means a metallic chemical element with the symbol Pm and the atomic number 61. Example: “Promethium sits at number 61 on the periodic table.”

noun

technical A metallic chemical element with the symbol Pm and the atomic number 61.

"Promethium sits at number 61 on the periodic table."

"The chemistry teacher asked us to write down the symbol for promethium."

"In the quiz, I was asked which element has the symbol Pm, and the answer was promethium."

technical An atom of the element promethium.

"Each promethium atom has an atomic number of 61."

"The diagram showed a single promethium atom."

"Any promethium atom is identified by that number."

How to use promethium

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishPromethium is the chemical element with the symbol Pm and atomic number 61.

When to use it

It is a technical word, mostly found in chemistry and science teaching.

Memory tip

Remember that the word ends in -ium like other element names, and that the older spelling prometheum is no longer used.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

Prometheus → promethean → prometheum

Common pairings

the element promethium promethium atom symbol for promethium radioactive promethium

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ sits at number 61 on the periodic table.

Etymology

The word dates from 1945 and was formed in English from Prometheus, the Greek god who took fire and gave it to humankind, plus the suffix -ium used for element names.

Origin: English

Rhymes for promethium

curium osmium cerium erbium sodium helium barium radium cadmium caesium fermium gallium

See all rhymes for promethium →

Frequently asked questions

What is promethium?

Promethium is a metallic chemical element with the symbol Pm and the atomic number 61.

How do you pronounce promethium?

It is pronounced proh-MEE-thee-um, with the stress on the second syllable.

Where does the name promethium come from?

It comes from Prometheus, the Greek god who stole fire and gave it to humankind, with the ending -ium added. The name dates from 1945.

What is the meaning of promethium?

"promethium" (noun) means a metallic chemical element with the symbol Pm and the atomic number 61.