Chemistry

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.

Isotope is a variant of an element whose atoms share the same number of protons but have different numbers of neutrons, resulting in different atomic masses. The term is used in science contexts to discuss nuclear properties, stability, and isotopic abundance. In everyday language, it often appears in chemistry or physics discussions, especially regarding radioisotopes and stable isotopes. The word itself is borrowed from Greek roots and is commonly pronounced with three syllables: i-so-tope.

Kinetics refers to the branch of physical science that studies the motion of objects and the forces that cause or result from that motion. It also appears in contexts like pharmacokinetics, which examines how a drug moves through the body. In everyday use, it can describe energetic, dynamic activity or movement-related analysis. The term is technical and formal, often used in science, engineering, and academia.

Krypton is a colorless, tasteless noble gas that is odorless in its natural state. In addition to its scientific use, the name Krypton appears in pop culture (e.g., Superman’s home planet). The term also serves in various technical contexts for the element’s chemical symbol Kr and its inert properties.

Lanthanum is a chemical element with symbol La and atomic number 57. It is a soft, silvery-metal that tarnishes slowly in air and is used in catalysts and batteries. In science contexts, lanthanum is often discussed among lanthanides as a rare-earth metal with notable electronic configurations and applications.

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.

Lawrencium is a synthetic, radioactive chemical element (element 103) named after Ernest O. Lawrence. It is part of the actinide series and is produced in particle accelerators. The word denotes both the element and its historical naming context within the periodic table, with pronunciation that stresses the second syllable. It is rarely used outside advanced chemistry 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.

Lutetium is a chemical element with the symbol Lu and atomic number 71. It is a rare, silvery-white metal in the lanthanide series, known for its high density and stability. In pronunciation terms, lutetium is a multisyllabic word whose stress typically falls on the first syllable when spoken in standard contexts.

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.

Mendelevium is a synthetic, radioactive actinide element with the symbol Md and atomic number 101. Named after Dmitri Mendeleev, it was first synthesized in 1955. The term is mainly used in chemistry and nuclear science contexts, often in discussions of the periodic table and radioactive research.

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.

Molality is a measure of concentration defined as the number of moles of solute per kilogram of solvent. It is temperature-independent since it relies on mass rather than volume. In chemistry contexts, molality is preferred when comparing reactions at different temperatures because volume can change with temperature, while mass remains constant.