indium

[ in-dee-uh m ]
/ ˈɪn di əm /

noun Chemistry.

a rare metallic element, soft, white, malleable, and easily fusible, found combined in various ore minerals, especially sphalerite: so called from the two indigo-blue lines in its spectrum. Symbol: In; atomic weight: 114.82; atomic number: 49; specific gravity: 7.3 at 20°C.

Origin of indium

1860–65; < New Latin, equivalent to ind(icum) indigo + -ium -ium

Example sentences from the Web for indium

British Dictionary definitions for indium

indium
/ (ˈɪndɪəm) /

noun

a rare soft silvery metallic element associated with zinc ores: used in alloys, electronics, and electroplating. Symbol: In; atomic no: 49; atomic wt: 114.82; valency: 1, 2, or 3; relative density: 7.31; melting pt: 156.63°C; boiling pt: 2073°C

Word Origin for indium

C19: New Latin, from indigo + -ium

Medical definitions for indium

indium
[ ĭndē-əm ]

n. Symbol In

A soft malleable metallic element found primarily in ores of zinc, used in making dental alloys and in its radioisotope forms in diagnostic radiology. Atomic number 49.

Scientific definitions for indium

indium
[ ĭndē-əm ]

In

A soft, malleable, silvery-white metallic element that occurs mainly in ores of zinc and lead. It is used in the manufacture of semiconductors, in bearings for aircraft engines, and as a plating over silver in mirrors. Atomic number 49; atomic weight 114.82; melting point 156.61°C; boiling point 2,080°C; specific gravity 7.31; valence 1, 2, 3. See Periodic Table.