thorium
A radioactive metallic element with atomic number 90, primarily used in nuclear energy research.
[U] Uncountable
This term carries a heavy scientific and industrial connotation, appearing almost exclusively in the context of nuclear physics, geology, or energy policy. It evokes a sense of futuristic potential and stability, often framed as a safer, more abundant alternative to uranium for power generation.
In a social or political context, mentioning thorium usually signals a discussion about green energy transitions or the technical hurdles of advanced reactor design. It is a highly specialized term that lacks any casual or colloquial usage in everyday conversation.
Used as a mass noun for the chemical element, such as when discussing the amount of thorium extracted from a mine.
Meanings
Examples
Thorium is a radioactive element with the atomic number 90.
Trivia
Related Words
actinideelementmetalradioisotopenucleusprotonneutronelectronisotoperadiationdecayhalf-lifeuraniumplutoniumradiumcuriummonazitemineraloreminingrefiningmetallurgynuclearfissionfusionreactorfuelmoderatorcoolantbreederenergyelectricitywattagekilowattmegawattcriticalitycross-sectiontransmutationstableunstableradioactiveionizingshieldingleadconcretecontainmentwastetoxicitychemistryvalenceoxidefluoridenitratecatalystalloymagnesiumtungstenelectrodeincandescenceluminosityspectroscopyperiodicityorbitalelectronegativitylatticecrystaldensity