deuterium

(doo-tēr′ē-ŭm, dū- )

To hear audio pronunciation of this topic, purchase a subscription or log in.

[ deutero- + -ium (1)]
SYMB: ²H, D The isotope of hydrogen with an atomic weight (mass) 2. It is used in certain nuclear reactors as an absorber of neutrons. Water made from deuterium is incompatible with life if ingested exclusively because of slight differences in bond angles and distances that prevent necessary hydrogen bonding.
SYN: SEE: heavy hydrogen

There's more to see -- the rest of this topic is available only to subscribers.