Uniform for NATO symbolises powerful but dangerous element (7)

I believe the answer is:

uranium

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'element' is the definition.
(uranium is a kind of element)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for uranium that I've seen before include "Chemical element used to get nuclear energy" , "Radioactive element used for nuclear energy" , "Radoactive element" , "Source of power" , "Radioactive element of atomic number 92" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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