deuterium

noun

deu·​te·​ri·​um dü-ˈtir-ē-əm 

 also  dyü-

: an isotope of hydrogen that has one proton and one neutron in its nucleus and that has twice the mass of ordinary hydrogen

—symbol D

called also heavy hydrogen

Examples of deuterium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The difference in mass between deuterium and hydrogen is a factor of two and that would feed into the biggest difference in the observed spectroscopic signals, said Catling. —Bruce Dorminey, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024

The one most scientists prefer is deuterium plus tritium. —Sophie Blondel, The Conversation, 18 Oct. 2024

While deuterium is very common and obtained from water, tritium is very rare. —Sophie Blondel, The Conversation, 18 Oct. 2024

Most approaches to fusion seek to mash together the heavy isotopes of hydrogen—deuterium and tritium—to produce helium and an energetic neutron. —Adrian Cho, science.org, 18 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek deuteros second

First Known Use

1933, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing deuterium

• deuterium oxide

Kids Definition

deuterium

noun

deu·​te·​ri·​um d(y)ü-ˈtir-ē-əm 

: the hydrogen isotope that is twice the mass of ordinary hydrogen

called also heavy hydrogen

Medical Definition

deuterium

noun

deu·​te·​ri·​um d(y)ü-ˈtir-ē-əm 

: an isotope of hydrogen that has one proton and one neutron in its nucleus and that has twice the mass of ordinary hydrogen

called also heavy hydrogen