a white, radioactive, metallic chemical element, the first member of the actinide series, found in pitchblende and other minerals or formed in reactors by the neutron irradiation of radium: symbol, Ac; at. no., 89
See actinium in American Heritage Dictionary 4
(ăk-tĭnˈē-əm)
noun Symbol Ac1
A radioactive element found in uranium ores, used in equilibrium with its decay products as a source of alpha rays. Its longest lived isotope is Ac 227 with a half-life of 21.6 years. Atomic number 89; melting point 1,050°C; boiling point (estimated) 3,200°C; specific gravity (calculated) 10.07; valence 3. See Table at element.