berkelium: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Highly technical/scientific
Quick answer
What does “berkelium” mean?
A synthetic, radioactive chemical element (symbol Bk, atomic number 97).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A synthetic, radioactive chemical element (symbol Bk, atomic number 97).
A metallic, transuranic element produced in particle accelerators, used for research and sometimes as a neutron source. It has no stable isotopes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
None. Usage is identical in all scientific English contexts.
Connotations
None beyond its scientific definition.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both dialects, confined to specialist literature.
Grammar
How to Use “berkelium” in a Sentence
Berkelium is [verb, e.g., produced, used, studied]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “berkelium” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The berkelium sample was carefully shielded.
- They studied berkelium compounds.
American English
- The berkelium isotope had a short half-life.
- They analyzed the berkelium target.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used only in advanced papers on nuclear chemistry, physics, or materials science.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The sole context. Refers to the specific element in research on heavy element chemistry, nuclear fuel cycles, or isotope production.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “berkelium”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “berkelium”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “berkelium”
- Misspelling: 'berklium', 'berkelum'. Mispronouncing the 'ke' as /kɛ/ instead of /kiː/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It has no commercial applications. Its primary use is in basic scientific research, particularly in studying the properties of heavy elements and sometimes as a precursor for producing heavier elements like californium.
No. All isotopes of berkelium are radioactive and decay relatively quickly. Any berkelium on Earth is synthetic, produced in nuclear reactors or particle accelerators.
It is named after the city of Berkeley, California, where it was first synthesized in 1949 at the University of California Radiation Laboratory.
Yes, like other heavy radioactive elements, it is highly toxic both chemically and radiologically. It requires handling in specialized facilities with strict containment protocols.
A synthetic, radioactive chemical element (symbol Bk, atomic number 97).
Berkelium is usually highly technical/scientific in register.
Berkelium: in British English it is pronounced /bəːˈkiːlɪəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /bərˈkiːliəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Berkelium is named after Berkeley, California, where it was first synthesized. Think: 'Berkelium was born in Berkeley.'
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (Proper noun for a scientific entity)
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the word 'berkelium' exclusively used?