californium
/ˌkælɪˈfɔrniəm/
noun
- A radioactive chemical element (symbol Cf) that is a metal and is used in scientific research, especially as a source of neutrons.
- Scientists created californium in a laboratory by bombarding curium with helium ions.
- Californium is used in portable neutron detectors for scanning cargo at airports.
- The sample of californium was stored in a special container to prevent radiation leakage.