uranium hexafluoride

noun

uranium hexa·​flu·​o·​ride -ˌhek-sə-ˈflȯr-ˌīd 

-ˈflu̇r-

: a volatile compound UF₆ of uranium and fluorine that is used in one major process of enriching uranium in uranium 235

Examples of uranium hexafluoride in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This can be done through a variety of methods including separating the uranium isotopes with a laser, or through gaseous diffusion, in which uranium hexafluoride is fed through pipes with filters to separate the molecules in the uranium isotopes. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024

Another unknown, Heinonen notes, is where North Korea produces uranium hexafluoride gas. —Byrichard Stone, science.org, 23 Sep. 2024

In its underground halls, centrifuges rapidly spin uranium hexafluoride gas to enrich uranium. —Washington Post, 8 Sep. 2020

In its long underground halls, centrifuges rapidly spin uranium hexafluoride gas to enrich uranium. —Fox News, 4 July 2020

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

uranium hexafluoride

noun

uranium hexa·​flu·​o·​ride -ˌhek-sə-ˈflu̇(-ə)r-ˌīd 

: a compound of uranium and fluorine that is used in one major process for the separation of uranium 235 from ordinary uranium