Definition

1. Noun:
   • A chemical element: "atomic number 8" is the scientific term for the element with eight protons in its atomic nucleus. It is a nonmetallic, bivalent element that is normally a colorless, odorless, tasteless, nonflammable diatomic gas. It constitutes about 21 percent of the Earth's atmosphere by volume and is the most abundant element in the Earth's crust.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Water is a molecule composed of hydrogen and atomic number 8.
  • The patient was given pure atomic number 8 to help with breathing.
  • Rust forms when iron reacts with atomic number 8 in the air.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific Context: The term "atomic number 8" is primarily used in formal scientific, educational, or technical writing to specify the element precisely by its fundamental property (proton count).
  • The periodic table organizes elements, like atomic number 8, based on their atomic number.

Variants and Related Words

• Oxygen (n): The common name for the element "atomic number 8".
  • Oxygen is vital for aerobic respiration.
• O (n): The standard chemical symbol for this element.
  • The formula for water is H₂O.

Synonyms

• Oxygen: The direct and most common synonym.
• Element 8: An alternative scientific designation.

Noun

1. a nonmetallic bivalent element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless nonflammable diatomic gas; constitutes 21 percent of the atmosphere by volume; the most abundant element in the earth's crust