ENGLISH
REFERENCE

uranium

n. uncountable
C1 Advanced US //jɝˈeɪniəm// UK //jɔːɹˈeɪniəm// ura·ni·um

n. a heavy, silver-white metal that is used to create nuclear energy. It is very powerful and can be dangerous because it is radioactive.

n. a heavy, silvery-white, metallic chemical element with atomic number 92. It is naturally radioactive and serves as the primary fuel for nuclear reactors and certain types of nuclear weapons.


SIMPLE

The power plant uses uranium to produce electricity.

CONTEXTUAL

Geologists discovered a large deposit of uranium ore deep beneath the desert floor.

COMPLEX

The enrichment of uranium remains a highly sensitive geopolitical issue due to the dual-use nature of the technology for both civilian energy and military applications.

Origin

After Uranus (the planet), + -ium.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the chemical element; can be countable when referring to specific isotopes or types of the metal.

© 2026 English Reference