Chemistry

Electrolysis is a chemical process that uses an electric current to drive a non-spontaneous reaction, typically decomposing a compound into its elements. In practice, it often refers to using electrical energy to split water or to remove hair by melting follicles. It involves electrodes, electrolytes, and controlled voltage to effect chemical change.

Enthalpy is a thermodynamic property representing the total heat content of a system, equal to its internal energy plus the product of its pressure and volume. In practical terms, it quantifies the heat transfer under constant pressure. The term is used mainly in chemistry and physics to analyze energy changes in reactions and phase transitions.

Entropy is a noun describing a measure of disorder or randomness in a system, often used in thermodynamics and information theory. It quantifies the number of microscopic configurations consistent with a macroscopic state, and tends to increase as systems evolve toward more probable states. In everyday use, it signals a tendency toward less order and predictability.

Equilibrium is a state in which opposing forces or influences are balanced, resulting in stability. In science, it refers to a condition where a system’s inputs and outputs are balanced, so net change is zero. It also connotes emotional or social steadiness, remaining calm and composed amid fluctuations.

Gadolinium is a chemical element with the symbol Gd and atomic number 64, used in contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging. It is a rare earth metal that occurs in minerals and is seldom encountered in everyday speech. In scientific contexts, it’s pronounced with emphasis on the third syllable, reflecting its Greek-derived root in scientific nomenclature.

Germanium is a chemical element with the symbol Ge and atomic number 32. It is a brittle, metalloid semiconductor used in electronics and optics. The word itself comes from Latinized from Germany, reflecting its discovery, and is pronounced with a three-syllable cadence in English.

Helium is a chemical element and a colorless, inert gas. In everyday use, it’s best known for lifting balloons and for its use in certain scientific and medical applications. The word is commonly pronounced with two syllables, stressing the first, and ends with a light, short /m/ sound.

Hydrogen is a chemical element and the lightest, most abundant in the universe, primarily found in stars and gas giant planets. In everyday speech, it refers to the simplest, diatomic gas H2 used as a fuel and in chemistry. Its name derives from Greek roots meaning “water-former.”

Iodine is a chemical element, a nonmetal used in medicine, nutrition, and photography. In everyday chemistry and biology contexts, it refers to the element with symbol I and atomic number 53. The word is pronounced with three syllables and typically stresses the first syllable in English, though some contexts may show variable stress patterns in specialized discourse.

Ion (n.) A charged particle or an atom with a net electric charge, often formed by the loss or gain of electrons. In science discussions it also refers to ion channels and ionized states in chemistry and physics. The term appears in fields from chemistry to physics and biology, and is pronounced with a short, crisp vowel sound and a single syllable.

Iridium is a chemical element with symbol Ir and atomic number 77, a hard, silvery-white metal known for its high melting point and corrosion resistance. It is among the platinum-group metals and is used in high-temperature laboratory equipment and electronics. The term also names a minor planet in the solar system and a suite of products in various industries.

Iron (noun) refers to a strong metal with a metallic gray appearance, widely used in construction and manufacturing. It also denotes a chemical element with symbol Fe and atomic number 26. In everyday language, it commonly appears in phrases like iron ore, iron skillet, and ironclad. The word’s history and pronunciation reflect its Germanic roots, though modern usage spans many contexts, from science to common objects.

Lattice (noun) refers to a crisscrossed framework or mesh of intersecting strips or bars, often forming a grid or latticework. It can describe a decorative or structural framework, such as a lattice window or a lattice in mathematics and science. The term conveys an ordered, repeating pattern and can also denote a network or interlaced arrangement in various contexts.

Lead (noun) refers to a heavy, malleable metal with symbol Pb and high density, commonly used in batteries, weights, and shielding. It also denotes the act of guiding or being in charge. This entry focuses on the metal noun sense, including pronunciation distinctions from the verb lead. In expert use, context disambiguates meaning, while precise pronunciation helps avoid ear/escalation of miscommunication in technical and leadership contexts.

Lithium is a chemical element (Li) used in batteries and psychiatry, notable for its small, single-syllable root and a stress pattern that places emphasis on the first syllable in many pronunciations. In general use, the word is a proper noun in many contexts, yet also a common term in science and industry. It comprises three syllables and ends with a light, rounded vowel, making precise articulation essential for clarity.

Magnesium is a chemical element and essential mineral, represented by the symbol Mg. It occurs naturally in many minerals and plays a crucial role in enzyme function, energy production, and nerve transmission. In everyday use, it refers to the metal or the dietary supplement and is commonly discussed in contexts of health, nutrition, and materials science.

Manganese is a chemical element with the symbol Mn and atomic number 25. It is a hard, silvery-gray metal essential in small amounts for enzyme function and steel production. In geology and manufacturing, manganese compounds are widely used as alloys and pigments.

Meitnerium is a synthetic chemical element with the symbol Mt and atomic number 109. It is a highly unstable, radiogenic metal produced in particle accelerators, existing only briefly before decaying. In scientific contexts, it’s discussed in relation to its place in the periodic table, nuclear physics, and the challenges of creating and identifying superheavy elements.

Mercury is a proper noun with multiple senses: the closest planet to the Sun, the Roman messenger god, and a metallic element (also called quicksilver). In astronomy, it denotes the innermost planet; in mythology, the swift, winged messenger; and in science, the element used in thermometers and historically in alchemy. The term carries distinct cultural and scientific associations depending on context.

Molecule is a small, chemically bound group of atoms that acts as the basic unit of a chemical compound. In science contexts, it usually refers to a discrete, neutral unit whose properties derive from its constituent atoms and their bonds. The term is used across chemistry, biology, and physics to describe the smallest unit of a substance that can participate in chemical reactions.

Molybdenum is a hard, silvery metal element with the chemical symbol Mo and atomic number 42. It is essential in modern steel alloys for strength and durability, and occurs naturally in various minerals. The name derives from the Greek molubdos, meaning lead, reflecting early confusion with lead-containing ores.

Neodymium is a chemical element, a soft, silvery-metal rare earth metal used in magnets and high-strength alloys. It’s part of the lanthanide series, with symbol Nd and atomic number 60. The word is borrowed from Greek roots referring to its newness, and it’s commonly pronounced with three distinct syllables in scientific and industrial contexts.

Neon is a chemical element with the symbol Ne and atomic number 10, known for its inertness and bright reddish-orange glow in vacuum tubes. In everyday use, it often appears as neon lighting or signs. The word also refers to a bright, modern, or synthetic quality, sometimes used in phrases like ‘neon lights’ or ‘neon colors.’

Nickel is a common metal element (Ni) with a silvery appearance and a distinctive metallic luster. In everyday speech, the word refers to the element or its coins, and can also describe a five-cent denomination or a small amount. The term appears in materials science, manufacturing, and monetary contexts, and is pronounced with two syllables and a primary stress on the first syllable.