Word
deuterium
Phoneticsdeu·teri·um
US/duˈtiɹiəm/
UK/djuːtˈiəɹɪəm/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. a heavy form of hydrogen that has an extra particle in its center, so it weighs about twice as much. It exists in tiny amounts in nature, mostly in water.
n. a stable isotope of hydrogen with one proton and one neutron in the nucleus, about twice the mass of common hydrogen. Occurs naturally in very small amounts, most familiarly in heavy water.
Examples
“Heavy water contains a form called deuterium.”
“Scientists track deuterium in ice cores to learn about past climates.”
“Because deuterium fuses more readily than ordinary hydrogen, researchers view it as a promising fuel for future fusion reactors.”
Examples
simple
“Heavy water contains a form called deuterium.”
contextual
“Scientists track deuterium in ice cores to learn about past climates.”
complex
“Because deuterium fuses more readily than ordinary hydrogen, researchers view it as a promising fuel for future fusion reactors.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “deuterium” in context.
Verb
01. contain deuterium
“This litre of water contains only a tiny amount of deuterium.”
verb + noun
02. detect deuterium
“Astronomers detect deuterium in the atmospheres of gas giants.”
verb + noun
03. deuterium accumulates
“Deuterium accumulates in the oceans over geological timescales.”
noun + verb
04. deuterium burns
“In young stars, deuterium burns at relatively low temperatures.”
noun + verb
05. deuterium fuses
“In stars, deuterium fuses more easily than ordinary hydrogen.”
noun + verb
06. extract deuterium
“Scientists extract deuterium from seawater for use in fusion research.”
verb + noun
Adjective
07. cosmic deuterium
“Cosmic deuterium helps astronomers estimate the density of ordinary matter.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. abundance of deuterium
“The abundance of deuterium constrains models of the early universe.”
noun + prep + noun
09. atom of deuterium
“Each atom of deuterium has one proton and one neutron.”
noun + prep + noun
10. concentration of deuterium
“The concentration of deuterium in ice reveals past climate shifts.”
noun + prep + noun
11. abundance of primordial deuterium
“The abundance of primordial deuterium supports Big Bang theory.”
12. fuse deuterium into helium
“Future reactors may fuse deuterium into helium to generate clean power.”
Etymology
From deutero- + -ium. Coined by American physical chemist Harold Urey, from Ancient Greek δεύτερος (deúteros, “second”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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