Meaning & Definition of word "Cesium"
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Cesium
/ˈsiːziəm/
noun:
- 1. A chemical element with the symbol Cs and atomic number 55, a soft, silvery-gold alkali metal used in atomic clocks and various scientific applications.
- Example: The atomic clock developed at NIST uses cesium atoms to keep time with incredible precision.
- 2. A highly reactive alkali metal that is often used in photoelectric cells and other electronic devices.
- Example: Researchers are exploring new ways to use cesium in solar panel technology.
- 3. A rare element found in trace amounts in certain minerals and is often extracted through the process of mining.
- Example: The drilling site contained a significant amount of cesium, which could be extracted for various industrial purposes.
Etymology
From Latin 'caesius' meaning 'sky blue', referring to the color of its spectral lines.
Common Phrases and Expressions
cesium clock:
A highly accurate timekeeping device that uses cesium atoms as its standard.
cesium fountain:
A type of atomic fountain clock that exploits the properties of cesium.
cesium beam:
A stream of cesium atoms used in various scientific applications.
Related Words
alkali metal:
A group of periodic table elements that are highly reactive and include cesium.
atomic clock:
A clock that uses the vibrations of atoms to measure time, with cesium being a common standard.
spectroscopy:
The study of the interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation, related to the discovery of cesium.