noun
tritium
TRIT-ee-um/ˈtrɪtiəm/
A radioactive isotope of hydrogen with one proton and two neutrons.
The sealed container holds a laboratory sample of radioactive tritium gas.
Etymology
The “third” root points to the three particles in tritium’s nucleus: one proton and two neutrons. The chemical suffix turns that numerical reference into the name of this radioactive hydrogen isotope.
In context
The release of radioactive fuel, like Tritium, Could pose a threat to the environment.
More examples
- Some watch dials contain tritium to make their markings glow.
- Fusion experiments can use tritium as part of their fuel.
- A tritium nucleus contains one proton and two neutrons.
Forms
tritium
Similar words
- hydrogen-3
- Names the same isotope by its mass number, three.