Definition

1. Noun:
   • A radioactive transuranic metallic element: "Atomic number 93" is the scientific designation for the chemical element neptunium (symbol Np). It is a man-made, radioactive metal with an atomic number of 93, meaning its atoms contain 93 protons in their nuclei. It is part of the actinide series and is found in trace amounts in uranium ores and as a by-product in nuclear reactors.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The scientist studied the properties of atomic number 93.
  • Atomic number 93 was the first transuranium element to be synthesized.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific Context: The term "atomic number 93" is primarily used in technical, scientific, and educational contexts to specify the element's position on the periodic table before or instead of using its common name, "neptunium."
  • Elements with atomic numbers higher than 92, like atomic number 93, are generally synthetic.

Variants and Related Words

• Neptunium (Np): The common name for the element with atomic number 93.
• Transuranic element: Any chemical element with an atomic number greater than 92 (uranium). Atomic number 93 is the first of these.
• Actinide: A series of radioactive metallic elements, which includes atomic number 93.

Synonyms

• Neptunium: The direct synonym and common name for this element.

Notes on Meaning

• The term "atomic number 93" refers strictly to the element's defining property (its proton number) and, by extension, the element itself. It does not have other non-scientific meanings. Its primary significance is in nuclear chemistry and physics.

Noun

1. a radioactive transuranic metallic element; found in trace amounts in uranium ores; a by-product of the production of plutonium