francium

Noun

francium (usually uncountable, plural franciums)

1. (usually) The chemical element (symbol Fr) with an atomic number of 87. It is an intensely radioactive alkali metal that is not found in nature.
   • The most elusive element of all, however, appears to be francium, which is so rare that it is thought that our entire planet may contain, at any given moment, fewer than twenty francium atoms.2003, Bill Bryson, A Short History of Nearly Everything, BCA, page 221
   1. (countable, usually) An atom of this element.
      • Notice that franciums are balanced without even thinking in moles, atoms, or whatever.1999, Peter J. Krieger, Understanding Chemical Principles: A Learning Companion, page 56
      • (a) Radons and poloniums are compared, (b) poloniums and astatines are compared and (c) radons and franciums are compared.2007, Carl J. Gross, Witold Nazarewicz, Krzysztof P. Rykaczewski, The 4th International Conference on Exotic Nuclei and Atomic Masses, page 180