Hexafluoride

/ˌhɛksəˈflʊəraɪd/ noun

Definition

A chemical compound containing six fluorine atoms bonded to another element, commonly used in industry and refrigeration.

Etymology

From 'hexa-' (six) + 'fluoride' (a compound of fluorine), with standard chemistry nomenclature. The term emerged in early 20th-century chemistry as fluorine chemistry developed.

Kelly Says

Uranium hexafluoride is used to enrich uranium for nuclear reactors, making it one of the most important—and heavily guarded—chemicals in the world, and tiny amounts can be detected miles away because it reacts with moisture in the air.

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