non-natural element

Definitions

A chemical element that does not occur naturally on Earth and must be synthesized in a laboratory or nuclear reactor.

Any synthetic element with an atomic number greater than 92, such as those produced through artificial nuclear transmutation.

Examples

The forensic report confirmed that the residue found on the fabric was a non-natural element not typically found in the environment.

Scientists are studying how the introduction of a non-natural element into the ecosystem might affect the long-term health of the local wildlife.

Synonyms

synthetic element man-made element artificial element transuranic element laboratory-created element

Antonyms

natural element naturally occurring element primordial element