mesothorium

noun

meso·​thorium
¦me|zō,
¦mē|,
|sō+
: either of two radioactive products intermediate between thorium and radiothorium in the thorium series or a mixture of the two products obtained usually from thorium minerals (as monazite sand) and used as a substitute for radium especially in luminous paints:
a
: an isotope of radium

called also mesothorium 1

symbol MsTh1 or Ra228
b
: an isotope of actinium

called also mesothorium 2

symbol MsTh2 or Ac228

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from mes- + thorium

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near mesothorium

Cite this Entry

“Mesothorium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mesothorium. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!