astatine

noun

as·​ta·​tine ˈa-stə-ˌtēn 

: a radioactive halogen element discovered by bombarding bismuth with alpha particles and also formed by radioactive decay see Chemical Elements Table

Word History

Etymology

Greek astatos unsteady, from a- + statos standing, from histanai to cause to stand — more at stand

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

astatine

noun

as·​ta·​tine ˈas-tə-ˌtēn 

: a radioactive element discovered by bombarding bismuth with helium nuclei see element

Medical Definition

astatine

noun

as·​ta·​tine ˈas-tə-ˌtēn 

: a radioactive halogen element discovered by bombarding bismuth with helium nuclei and also formed by radioactive decay

—symbol At

called also ekaiodine

see Chemical Elements Table