: a short-lived, artificially produced radioactive element that has 113 protons
symbol Nh
see Chemical Elements Table

Word History

Etymology

Japanese nihon "Japan" + -ium; so named because the element was produced at the RIKEN Nishina Center for Accelerator-Based Science in Wakō, Japan

First Known Use

2016, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nihonium was in 2016

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

nihonium

noun
: a short-lived artificially produced radioactive element see element
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