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DictionaryfermiumChemical element
noun

fermium

FUR-mee-um/ˈfɜːrmiəm/

A synthetic radioactive metallic chemical element.

The tiny fermium sample remains inside a shielded laboratory chamber.

A shielded laboratory chamber contains a tiny analytical sample holder marked with fermium’s chemical symbol and atomic number.
Etymology
fermItalianEnrico Fermi, physicist
+iumLatinchemical element ending

Fermi’s name combines with the conventional element ending -ium to honor physicist Enrico Fermi. The radioactive element was discovered in debris from a nuclear test.

In context

TablaPe0:36
the team isolated fermium through nuclear bombardment of uranium with neutrons resulting in the creation of small quantities of this Rare Element
Fermium: The Final Piece of the Nuclear Puzzle?

More examples

  • The atomic number of fermium is 100.
  • All known isotopes of fermium are radioactive.
  • A sample of fermium decays into other elements over time.