neptunium

One entry found for neptunium.

Main Entry: nep·tu·ni·um
Pronunciation: nep-t(y)ü-n-m
Function: noun
: a radioactive metallic element that is chemically similar to uranium and is obtained in nuclear reactors as a by-product in the production of plutonium -- symbol Np; see ELEMENT table
Nep·tune, /nep-t(y)ün/ Roman mythological character. Neptune was originally the god of fresh water. Later he became identified with the Greek god Poseidon, a deity of the sea. In art Neptune is usually represented as a bearded man holding a trident and sometimes a fish. The planet Neptune was named after him and the element neptunium was named after the planet.