Germanous

/dʒɜːˈmeɪnəs/ adjective

Definition

In chemistry, relating to or containing germanium in its +2 oxidation state, lower than in germanic compounds.

Etymology

From Latin 'Germanicus' (relating to the Germani tribe) but in chemistry derived from the element germanium (named after Germany in 1886) + '-ous' (chemical suffix for lower oxidation states). The chemical usage developed in the late 19th century.

Kelly Says

It's wild that the element germanium was named after Germany by its discoverer Clemens Winkler, even though it's not actually found more in Germany—it was just a patriotic naming choice, and now that chemical legacy lives on in words like 'germanous.'

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