What does uranic mean?
Uranic is an adjective chiefly used in scientific and technical writing to mean relating to uranium, containing uranium, or—because uranium is radioactive—associated with radioactivity. It may describe uranium-bearing minerals, radiation, or decay processes. The term is especially associated with chemistry and geology, where it can also carry the older distinction between uranium compounds in a higher oxidation state and those termed uranous. In ordinary prose, radioactive is usually clearer and more natural than uranic, which can sound specialized or dated. Uranic should not be confused with uranium itself: uranium names the chemical element, while uranic names characteristics of that element or its compounds. The word is nevertheless worth knowing because it links a broad description of radioactivity with a specific family of chemical and geological terminology. Its scientific sense is clear, even when its use is occasional.
adjectiveRelating to or containing uranium; characterized by radioactivity. In chemistry, the term may also denote a higher oxidation state of uranium, contrasting with uranous.
- Of, containing, or relating to uranium.
- Radioactive, especially because of the presence of uranium.
- In chemical nomenclature, associated with uranium in the +6 oxidation state, as opposed to the lower oxidation state called uranous.
"Geologists mapped the distribution of uranic minerals across the region."
"Geologists mapped the distribution of uranic minerals across the region."
"The shielding was designed to contain uranic radiation during the experiment."
Uranic sounds celestial, but its scientific sense is rooted in uranium—the element named after the planet Uranus.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does uranic come from?
Uranic was formed in the 19th century from uranium and the suffix -ic. Uranium was named for the planet Uranus, whose name in turn comes from the Greek deity Ouranos. Related forms such as uranate and uranyl continue to use the same chemical root.
Related word forms
How uranic is actually used
Chiefly used in scientific and technical writing, especially in chemistry, geology, and radiation physics. In general prose, radioactive is usually more natural, while uranic can sound specialized or dated.
Easily confused with uranic
Uranium is the noun naming the chemical element, whereas uranic is an adjective describing uranium, its compounds, or their radioactivity.
In chemical usage, uranic is associated with uranium in the +6 oxidation state, while uranous refers to lower-valent uranium, especially the +4 state.