superheavy

English

Some calcium-48. This isotope, the heaviest stable isotope of calcium, is highly desired for the manufacture of superheavy elements. All superheavy elements are artificial; none occur naturally on Earth.

Etymology

From super- +‎ heavy.

Pronunciation

• Audio (US):

  (file)

Adjective

superheavy (not comparable)

1. Much heavier than usual.

   The superheavy tank weighed 80 tonnes and was said to be indestructible in combat.

2. (nuclear physics) Describing a transuranic element with an extremely high atomic number; typically taken to mean beyond lawrencium (element 103, the last actinide)
3. (linguistics, of a syllable) stressed more than is usual

Derived terms

• superheavy tank
• superheavy water

 

Noun

superheavy (plural superheavies)

1. (nuclear physics) A superheavy element.

Usage notes

It has been suggested that elements beyond #126 (unbihexium, Ubh) be called "beyond superheavy".