periodic table

[peer-ee-od-ik, peer-]

noun

Chemistry.

1. a table illustrating the periodic system, in which the chemical elements, formerly arranged in the order of their atomic weights and now according to their atomic numbers, are shown in related groups.

periodic table

/ ˌpɪərɪˈɒdɪk /

noun

1. a table of the elements, arranged in order of increasing atomic number, based on the periodic law. Elements having similar chemical properties and electronic structures appear in vertical columns (groups)

Periodic Table

1. A table in which the chemical elements are arranged in order of increasing atomic number. Elements with similar properties are arranged in the same column (called a group), and elements with the same number of electron shells are arranged in the same row (called a period).

Word History and Origins

Origin of Periodic Table¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

The phrase "rare earths" - referring to 17 elements on the periodic table which are lightweight, super strong and resistant to heat, making them useful in small electric motors - is something of a misnomer.

From BBC

According to Fifa, the Club World Cup trophy is inspired by the periodic table and historic golden records sent into space aboard the Voyager probes.

From BBC

Fluorine is perhaps one of the most controversial elements on the periodic table.

From Salon

Quarks and gluons are the fundamental building blocks of protons and neutrons -- elementary particles that combined to forge the basic elements of the periodic table.

From Science Daily

As the lightest element in the periodic table, hydrogen rises and collects in a cloud under the tunnel ceiling.

From Science Daily