Definition

A shiny, silvery-gray metal that is radioactive and was the first element made in a lab. It has many forms called isotopes and is used in medical imaging and to prevent rust in steel.

Example

Technetium is often used in medical scans to help doctors see inside the body.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of technetium?

Yeah, I think it's some kind of radioactive metal, right?

Exactly! It's the first element that was made synthetically.

That's really interesting; I didn't know it had so many uses in medicine!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Technetium is derived from the Greek word "technetos" (meaning artificial) and the suffix "-ium" (commonly used in naming elements). The name reflects that technetium was the first element to be artificially produced, hence its designation as an artificial element.

Memory Tip

Think of 'technetos' meaning artificial, which helps you remember that technetium is an element created by humans, not found naturally.

Visually Confused Words