: a short-lived, artificially produced radioactive element that has 115 protons
symbol Mc
see Chemical Elements Table

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Moscovia "Moscow" (or from the base of Russian moskovskij "of Moscow, Muscovite") + -ium; so named because the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Dubna, Russia, where the element was produced, lies within Moscow Oblast

First Known Use

2016, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of moscovium was in 2016

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Moscovium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moscovium. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

: a short-lived artificially produced radioactive element see element
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