neptunium

noun nep·tu·ni·um \nep-ˈtü-nē-əm, -ˈtyü-\

Definition of NEPTUNIUM

: a radioactive metallic element that is chemically similar to uranium and is obtained in nuclear reactors especially as a by-product in the production of plutonium — see element table

See neptunium defined for kids

Origin of NEPTUNIUM

New Latin, from International Scientific Vocabulary Neptune

First Known Use: 1941

NEPTUNIUM Defined for Kids

neptunium

noun nep·tu·ni·um \nep-ˈtü-nē-əm, -ˈtyü-\

Definition of NEPTUNIUM for Kids

: a radioactive chemical element similar to uranium

Medical Dictionary

neptunium

noun nep·tu·ni·um \nep-ˈt(y)ü-nē-əm\

Medical Definition of NEPTUNIUM

: a radioactive metallic element that is chemically similar to uranium and is obtained in nuclear reactors as a by-product in the production of plutonium—symbol Np; see element table

Biographical Note for NEPTUNIUM

Nep·tune, \ˈnep-ˌt(y)ün\ Roman mythological character. Neptune was originally the god of fresh water. Later he became identified with the Greek god Poseidon, a deity of the sea. In art Neptune is usually represented as a bearded man holding a trident and sometimes a fish. The planet Neptune was named after him and the element neptunium was named after the planet.