noun
technetium
tek-NEE-shee-um
Technetium (noun) means a metallic chemical element with the symbol Tc and atomic number 43. Example: “Technetium has the atomic number 43.”
noun
1
A metallic chemical element with the symbol Tc and atomic number 43.
"Technetium has the atomic number 43."
"The chemical symbol for technetium is Tc."
"Technetium is listed in the periodic table as a metal."
How to use technetium
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe metallic element with atomic number 43, symbol Tc.
When to use it
It is a scientific term, used mainly in chemistry and science teaching.
Memory tip
It is an uncountable noun, so you do not normally say technetiums.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
atomic number 43
the element technetium
a metallic element
the symbol Tc
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_____ has the atomic number 43.
Etymology
It comes from the Ancient Greek word tekhnētós, meaning artificial or manmade, plus the ending -ium. The name reflects that it was the first manmade element to be synthesised.
Rhymes for technetium
See all rhymes for technetium →Frequently asked questions
What is technetium?
Technetium is a metallic chemical element with the symbol Tc and atomic number 43.
Why is technetium called technetium?
The name comes from an Ancient Greek word meaning artificial or manmade. It was the first manmade element to be synthesised.
How do you pronounce technetium?
It is usually said tek-NEE-shee-um, with the stress on the second syllable.
What is the meaning of technetium?
"technetium" (noun) means a metallic chemical element with the symbol Tc and atomic number 43.
