What does uranium mean?
Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive chemical element, identified by the symbol U and atomic number 92. A dense metallic substance, it is found in ores such as pitchblende and is extracted through mining and chemical processing. Uranium-235 is especially important as a fuel in nuclear power reactors, while other uranium isotopes are also used in research and nuclear technology. The term is closely associated with radioactivity, nuclear energy, weapons, and the regulation of sensitive material. In everyday discussion, “uranium” may refer either to the element itself or to processed material used for nuclear purposes. It is also frequently paired with terms such as ore, fuel, enrichment, and mining, reflecting both its geological origins and its technological importance. As a mass noun, it normally takes no plural in modern general usage.
nounUranium is a naturally occurring, radioactive chemical element with the symbol U and atomic number 92. It is a dense metallic element used as a source of nuclear energy and, in suitably enriched form, as fuel in nuclear reactors.
- The naturally occurring radioactive chemical element with the symbol U and atomic number 92, occurring principally in ores and used in nuclear technology.
"The country banned the export of processed uranium after the plant shut down."
"Safety inspectors monitored the facility where enriched uranium is stored."
"Uranium from the ore was separated and processed for use in nuclear reactors."
A rare, chiefly older or scientific plural; “uraniums” is also occasionally used.
"Samples of urania from several deposits were analyzed."
Uranium carries the name of Uranus, but its most famous role is underground: helping nuclear reactors generate electricity.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does uranium come from?
Uranium was named by the German chemist Martin Heinrich Klaproth for the oxide he had identified in 1789. He chose the name after Uranus, the recently discovered planet, which was itself named for the Greek sky god Ouranos through Latin. Uranic and related chemical terms continued this association with the element and its compounds.
Related word forms
How uranium is actually used
Uranium is normally treated as an uncountable mass noun in scientific and general use. The plural forms are uncommon and appear chiefly in older or specialized writing. The word commonly evokes nuclear power, radioactive materials, weapons, mining, and regulatory concerns.
Easily confused with uranium
Uranium is a radioactive chemical element, whereas Uranus is the outermost planet of the Solar System.