cal·i·for·ni·um (k l  -fôr n -m)n. Symbol Cf A synthetic element produced in trace quantities by helium isotope bombardment of curium. All isotopes are radioactive, chiefly by emission of alpha particles. Atomic number 98; mass numbers 244 to 254; half-lives varying from 25 minutes to 800 years. See Table at element. [After California.] |
californium [ˌkælɪˈfɔːnɪəm]
n
(Chemistry / Elements & Compounds) a metallic transuranic element artificially produced from curium. Symbol: Cf; atomic no.: 98; half-life of most stable isotope, 251Cf: 800 years (approx.)
[New Latin; discovered at the University of California]
| californium (kl-fôrn-m) Symbol Cf A synthetic, radioactive metallic element of the actinide series that is produced from curium or berkelium and is used in chemical analyses. Its most stable isotope, Cf 251, has a half-life of 800 years. Atomic number 98. See Periodic Table. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  californium - a radioactive transuranic element; discovered by bombarding curium with alpha particlesmetal, metallic element - any of several chemical elements that are usually shiny solids that conduct heat or electricity and can be formed into sheets etc. |
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