Pronunciation: [nˈɪtən] (IPA) 
The word "niton" seems straightforward in terms of its spelling, but its origins and pronunciation are a bit more complex. Niton is actually the name for the element with the atomic number 86, also known as radon. Its spelling comes from the Greek word "nitron," which means "nitre," a compound used in alchemy. The phonetic transcription of niton is ['naɪtɑn], with stress on the first syllable and a long "i" sound.
Niton is a noun referring to the radioactive chemical element Radon. It is a rare, colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas found in the atmosphere as a decay product of radium. With a symbol of Rn and an atomic number of 86, niton belongs to the noble gas group in the periodic table. It is classified as a heavy and highly dense gas with a density over nine times that of air. Niton is characterized by its radioactive nature, making it a hazardous substance.
Niton has several applications in industry, primarily related to its radioactive properties. It is commonly used in radiography, where it is employed to detect issues within structures such as concrete or pipelines. The gas is also utilized in medical applications, such as cancer treatments and diagnostic procedures. Niton is valuable in the field of geology as well, as it aids in determining the composition and density of minerals and rocks. Its radioactive decay is also employed in radiation therapy and as a tracer to study fluid flow.
Due to its radioactivity, niton is considered a health hazard. Prolonged exposure to elevated levels of niton gas can lead to lung cancer and other respiratory diseases. Therefore, proper safety measures and protective equipment should be employed when working with or around this substance.
Radium emanation regarded as an element, symbol Nt, atomic weight 222.4.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word niton is derived from the Latin word nitrum, meaning saltpeter or niter. The element with the chemical symbol N, nitrogen, was historically referred to as nitre, nitrum, or variations thereof. Nitrogen was first isolated as a distinct element by Scottish chemist Daniel Rutherford in 1772, and was later named by French chemist Jean-Antoine Chaptal in 1790. The name niton was proposed in the early 1900s as a new name for the chemical element nitrogen, but it was never officially adopted or widely accepted. Today, nitrogen is still known by its original symbol N.
