plutonium
nounmasculinetécnico/pluˈtɔnju/low
plu·tó·ni·o
Definition
Radioactive metallic chemical element (symbol Pu, atomic number 94), used as nuclear fuel and in nuclear weapons.
Plutonium-239 is a fissile isotope used in nuclear reactors.
Radioactive waste contains traces of plutonium and other dangerous elements.
Common collocations
plutonium-239plutonium reactorplutonium fuelplutonium production
Etymology
Do inglês 'plutonium', nomeado em referência ao planeta anão Plutão (do latim 'Pluto, Plutonis', deus romano do submundo), por analogia com o urânio e neptúnio.