noun. A synthetic transuranic element having isotopes with mass numbers from 237 to 256 and half-lives varying from 21 milliseconds to 898 years. All isotopes are radioactive, chiefly by emission of alpha particles, and Cf-252 is a potent neutron emitter. Atomic number 98; melting point 900°C; specific gravity 15.1; valence 3. cross-reference: Periodic Table.

noun. a transuranic chemical element (symbol Cf) with an atomic number of 98.

noun. a radioactive transuranic element; discovered by bombarding curium with alpha particles

"You need some germanium crystals, a pinch of molybdenum, a teaspoon of californium ... and working with those short-lived superheavies is a royal pain, I'll tell you."

California  Californian  californite  

californium oxide  californium oxychloride  californium trichloride  

metal  metallic element