po·lo·ni·um (p -l  n -m)n. Symbol Po A naturally radioactive metallic element, occurring in minute quantities as a product of radium disintegration and produced by bombarding bismuth or lead with neutrons. It has 27 isotopes ranging in mass number from 192 to 218, of which Po 210, with a half-life of 138.39 days, is the most readily available. Atomic number 84; melting point 254°C; boiling point 962°C; specific gravity 9.32; valence 2, 4. See Table at element. [From Medieval Latin Pol nia, Poland (the native country of Pierre and Marie Curie, the element's discoverers).] |
polonium [pəˈləʊnɪəm]
n
(Chemistry / Elements & Compounds) a very rare radioactive element that occurs in trace amounts in uranium ores. The isotope polonium-210 is produced artificially and is used as a lightweight power source in satellites and to eliminate static electricity in certain industries. Symbol: Po; atomic no.: 84; half-life of most stable isotope, 209Po: 103 years; valency: -2, 0, 2, 4, or 6; relative density (alpha modification): 9.32; melting pt.: 254°C; boiling pt.: 962°C
[New Latin, from Medieval Latin Polōnia Poland; named in honour of the Polish nationality of its discoverer, Marie Curie]
| polonium (p-ln-m) Symbol Po A very rare, naturally radioactive, silvery-gray or black metalloid element. It is produced in extremely small amounts by the radioactive decay of radium or the bombardment of bismuth or lead with neutrons. Atomic number 84; melting point 254°C; boiling point 962°C; specific gravity 9.32; valence 2, 4. See Periodic Table. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  polonium - a radioactive metallic element that is similar to tellurium and bismuth; occurs in uranium ores but can be produced by bombarding bismuth with neutrons in a nuclear reactormetal, 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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