Meaning & Definition of word "Cesium"
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.