Actinoid – Definition & Meaning

Actinoid is a term that is not commonly used in everyday conversations, but it is an important term in the field of chemistry. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of actinoid, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and examples of its usage.

Definitions

Actinoid is a term used to describe a series of metallic elements that are located in the bottom row of the periodic table. These elements are also known as actinides, and they have atomic numbers ranging from 89 to 103. They are all radioactive and have similar chemical properties.

Origin

The term actinoid comes from the Greek word “aktis,” which means ray or beam. This is because these elements emit alpha, beta, and gamma rays as they decay.

Meaning in different dictionaries

In the Merriam-Webster dictionary, actinoid is defined as “any of the radioactive metallic elements with atomic numbers from 89 to 103.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “any of the series of metallic elements with atomic numbers from 89 to 103, all of which are radioactive.”

Associations

Actinoid elements are associated with nuclear energy, as they are used in nuclear reactors and weapons. They are also used in medical applications, such as cancer treatment and imaging.

Synonyms

Synonyms for actinoid include actinide, transuranic element, and radioactive metal.

Antonyms

Antonyms for actinoid include stable element, non-radioactive element, and inert gas.

The same root words

The root word of actinoid is “aktis,” which means ray or beam. Other words that share this root include actinic, which means relating to radiation, and actinometer, which is a device that measures the intensity of radiation.

Example Sentences

1. The actinoid elements are located in the bottom row of the periodic table.
2. Uranium is an actinide element that is used in nuclear reactors.
3. The actinoid series includes elements such as plutonium and americium.
4. The actinoid elements emit alpha, beta, and gamma rays as they decay.
5. The actinoid elements have similar chemical properties due to their electron configurations.