deuterium
pronunciation
How to pronounce deuterium in British English:
UK [dju:ˈtɪəriəm]
How to pronounce deuterium in American English:
US [djuˈtɪriəm]
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- Noun:
- an isotope of hydrogen which has one neutron (as opposed to zero neutrons in hydrogen)
Word Origin
- deuterium (n.)
- 1933, coined by U.S. chemist Harold C. Urey, with Modern Latin ending + Greek deuterion, neuter of deuterios "having second place," from deuteros "next, second," according to some sources from duo (see two), but according to Watkins the ground sense is "missing" and the Greek word is from PIE from *deu-tero-, suffixed form of root *deu- "to lack, be wanting." So called because it is twice the mass of hydrogen.
Example
- 1. In a semiheavy water molecule , one hydrogen atom is replaced with a heftier version called deuterium .
- 2. Ocean water does have more deuterium than water in the earth 's mantle .
- 3. If such a design can be successfully used for a starship engine , then a source of deuterium can be sought closer to home .
- 4. Alternatively , a means might be found to put the neutrons from pure deuterium fusion to good use .
- 5. Because if comets battered the moon , they probably hit the earth , too . Ocean water does have more deuterium than water in the earth 's mantle .