californium

[ kal-uh-fawr-nee-uh m ]
/ ˌkæl əˈfɔr ni əm /

noun Chemistry.

a transuranic element. Symbol: Cf; atomic number: 98.

Origin of californium

1945–50; named after the University of California where it was discovered; see -ium

British Dictionary definitions for californium

californium
/ (ˌkælɪˈfɔːnɪəm) /

noun

a metallic transuranic element artificially produced from curium. Symbol: Cf; atomic no: 98; half-life of most stable isotope, 251 Cf: 800 years (approx.)

Word Origin for californium

C20: New Latin; discovered at the University of California

Medical definitions for californium

californium
[ kăl′ə-fôrnē-əm ]

n. Symbol Cf

A synthetic radioactive element produced in trace quantities by neutron bombardment of curium. Its most stable isotope, Cf 251, has a half-life of 790 years. Atomic number 98.

Scientific definitions for californium

californium
[ kăl′ə-fôrnē-əm ]

Cf

A synthetic, radioactive metallic element of the actinide series that is produced from curium or berkelium and is used in chemical analyses. Its most stable isotope, Cf 251, has a half-life of 800 years. Atomic number 98. See Periodic Table.