Chemistry

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.

Niobium is a chemical element with symbol Nb and atomic number 41, used primarily in strong alloys. It has a high melting point and is notable for superconducting properties in certain compounds. In everyday contexts, it appears in metallurgy, electronics, and jewelry alloys.

Nitrogen is a chemical element with the symbol N. It is a colorless, odorless gas that makes up about 78% of Earth's atmosphere. In science contexts, it is discussed as a diatomic molecule (N2) and as a key element in biology and chemistry. Its name stems from Greek roots meaning ‘native’ or ‘nitre’ and reflects its historical discovery in nitre-bearing substances.

Nobelium is a chemical element with the symbol No and atomic number 102. It is a synthetic, radioactive actinide discovered in the 1950s, named in honor of Alfred Nobel. In practice, the term often appears in scientific writing and discussions of the periodic table, radiochemistry, and elemental properties, though it is seldom encountered outside chemistry contexts.

Osmium is a chemical element with symbol Os and atomic number 76. It is a very dense, hard, blue-gray metal notable for its high density and rarity. In scientific contexts it is discussed in chemistry, materials science, and metallurgy, often alongside platinum-group metals.

Oxidation is a chemical reaction where a substance loses electrons, often involving oxygen. It can also describe the process of rusting or browning when exposed to air. In broader terms, oxidation denotes any increase in oxidation state of a reactant and is a fundamental concept across chemistry and biology.

Palladium is a chemical element with the symbol Pd and atomic number 46, known for its precious metal properties and catalytic uses. In broader contexts, “Palladium” can denote the element itself or a preceding title of nobility in reference to materials with esteemed status. The word is used in science, industry, and occasionally as a metaphor for value or rarity.

Phosphorus is a chemical element with the symbol P, known for its reactive nonmetal properties and historical use in matches and fertilizers. In chemistry, it refers to the element as well as to compounds containing it. The word is used across science writing and education, often in discussions of periodic trends and phosphorus cycles.

Platinum is a chemical element and a valuable, corrosion-resistant metal known for its silvery-white appearance. In everyday usage, it refers to high-quality status or premium products. The word is often encountered in science, jewelry, and branding contexts, and can imply exceptional durability or rarity in marketing language.

Plutonium is a radioactive chemical element with the symbol Pu and atomic number 94. It is a heavy, silvery metal that oxidizes readily in air and has several isotopes used in research and nuclear applications. The word conveys technical, scientific context and is typically encountered in professional or academic discourse.

Polonium is a radioactive metallic element, chemical symbol Po, discovered in 1898. It is highly radioactive and rare in nature, producing heat and alpha radiation. Used historically in research and as a heat source for space equipment, it remains a symbol of early nuclear science.

Polymer is a noun for a substance composed of many repeating units, typically molecules or monomers joined into long chains. It denotes a material with high molecular weight formed by polymerization processes, often plastics or resins, that display distinct physical properties such as elasticity or durability. The term is used broadly in chemistry, materials science, and industry to describe these large, chain-like macromolecules.

Potassium is a chemical element with symbol K, essential for cellular function, nerve signaling, and fluid balance. In everyday use, it refers to the metallic element in the periodic table and to compounds containing potassium ions. As a noun, it is pronounced to emphasize the second syllable, with a distinct

Praseodymium is a rare earth element with the symbol Pr and atomic number 59. It is silvery and ductile, used in magnets and specialized glass. In scientific contexts, it’s discussed for its oxidation states and role in praseodymium alloys, with pronunciation often a focus due to its multi-syllabic, foreign-origin name.

Promethium is a radioactive lanthanide metal named after Prometheus. It denotes a chemical element with no stable isotopes, primarily used in research and certain niche applications. The word itself is borrowed from scientific nomenclature and carries characteristic, multi-syllabic pronunciation typical of technical terms.

Protactinium is a highly radioactive actinide metal with atomic number 91. The term denotes a transient intermediate isotope in the uranium-238 decay series, but the name is used for a chemical element as a whole. Its pronunciation is often the main hurdle for science readers due to its multisyllabic, foreign-root structure.

Radium is a radioactive chemical element, symbol Ra, discovered in pitchblende ore in 1898. It is a soft, silvery-white metal that glows faintly in the dark due to radioluminescence. In science, it’s known for its intense radioactivity and historical use in early medical and industrial applications, though handling requires strict safety measures.