Systematic element name
A temporary name for an undiscovered or unnamed chemical element, generated from its atomic number using IUPAC numerical roots and a standard suffix.
IUPAC numerical roots: The syllables nil, un, bi, tri, quad, pent, hex, sept, oct, and enn used to encode decimal digits in systematic element names. Each digit of the atomic number contributes one root to the provisional name.
Ununennium: The systematic name for the undiscovered element with atomic number 119. Its name illustrates how the roots encode the digits 1, 1, and 9.
IUPAC: The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, which sets global standards for chemical terminology and nomenclature. IUPAC established the systematic naming procedure for elements lacking approved names.
IUPAC element naming process: The procedure by which IUPAC reviews proposals and approves names and symbols for newly discovered elements. It replaces a temporary systematic name with an official permanent name.
IUPAC element symbols: The official one- or two-letter abbreviations used to represent chemical elements. The provisional symbol is formed from the initials of the numerical roots.
Ununseptium: The former systematic name for element 117, now officially called tennessine. This provisional name remained in use before the element received its permanent name.
Transfermium Wars: A dispute over naming and credit for the discovery of transfermium elements during the late twentieth century. The naming controversy helped motivate a neutral provisional naming system.
Element symbol: A one- or two-letter abbreviation representing a chemical element, such as Fe for iron. Permanent symbols are approved alongside element names, rather than inferred from digit roots.
Atomic number: The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which defines its chemical element. It supplies the digits that determine a systematic element name.
Ununoctium: The former systematic name for element 118, now officially called oganesson. Its provisional name demonstrates the digit roots before official naming.