# uranium

/jɝˈeɪniəm/ (US) · /jɔːɹˈeɪniəm/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/uranium
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The power plant uses uranium to produce electricity.
- Geologists discovered a large deposit of uranium ore deep beneath the desert floor.
- 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.

## Usage notes

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

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.