word

uranium enrichment

yoo-RAY-nee-um en-RICH-ment

/jʊˈreɪniəm ɛnˈrɪtʃmənt/

Listen

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Syllable breakdown

uraniumenrichment

Dictionary meaning

The process of increasing the concentration of the fissile isotope uranium-235 relative to the more abundant but non-fissile uranium-238; natural uranium contains only 0.7% U-235, while reactor-grade fuel requires 3–5% and weapons-grade requires over 90%

History and origin

Uranium named after the planet Uranus by Martin Klaproth in 1789; enrichment technology developed during the Manhattan Project

Examples

Iran's uranium enrichment programme has been a central issue in nuclear non-proliferation diplomacy.
Gas centrifuge technology is the dominant method for uranium enrichment today.

Synonyms: isotope enrichment, U-235 concentration

Pronunciation tips

Stress second syllable in 'uranium': yoo-RAY-nee-um

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