polonium

po·lo·ni·um  (p-ln-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.

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[From Medieval Latin Polnia, Poland (the native country of Pierre and Marie Curie, the element's discoverers).]

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polonium

Noun

Chem a rare radioactive element found in trace amounts in uranium ores Symbol: Po[Medieval Latin Polonia Poland; in honour of the nationality of its discoverer, Marie Curie]

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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.

Thesaurus

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 reactor atomic number 84, Po metal, metallic element - any of several chemical elements that are usually shiny solids that conduct heat or electricity and can be formed into sheets etc.