bi

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The word "bi" can be a bit tricky because it has multiple meanings and uses in English. Let's break it down step by step.

Basic Definition

1. "Bi" as a Prefix: In many cases, "bi" is used as a prefix meaning "two." For example:

   • Bilingual (speaking two languages)
   • Bicycle (a vehicle with two wheels)

2. "Bi" as a Noun: In the context of chemistry, "Bi" refers to a chemical element, bismuth. It is a heavy, brittle, and diamagnetic metal. It is often found in ores with other metals and is not usually mined alone.

Usage Instructions

• When you see "bi" at the beginning of a word, think of it as "two."
• When used as a noun in chemistry, remember it refers specifically to the element bismuth.

Example

• As a Prefix: "My friend is bilingual; she can speak both English and Spanish."
• As a Chemical Element: "Bismuth (Bi) is used in some medical applications and is known for its low toxicity."

Advanced Usage

• In scientific contexts, "Bi" is often discussed in terms of its properties, like being a trivalent metal, meaning it can form three positive ions.
• Bismuth is sometimes recovered as a by-product when mining for other metals, such as lead or copper.

Word Variants

• Bismuth: The full name of the element, which is often used in scientific discussions.
• Bismuthate: A compound containing bismuth.

Different Meanings

• Bi can also refer to "bisexual" in terms of sexual orientation, meaning a person who is attracted to both men and women.

Synonyms

• For the prefix meaning "two": dual, double.
• For the chemical element: there aren’t direct synonyms, but related terms include "heavy metal" or "trivalent metal."

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that use "bi" directly, but phrases like "go bi" might be used informally in discussions about sexual orientation.

Summary

• "Bi" as a prefix means "two" (like in bicycle).
• "Bi" as a noun refers to bismuth, a chemical element (Bi).
• It can also refer to bisexuality in social contexts.

Academic

Noun

1. a heavy brittle diamagnetic trivalent metallic element (resembles arsenic and antimony chemically); usually recovered as a by-product from ores of other metals

Synonyms

• bismuth
• Bi
• atomic number 83