scandium

[ skan-dee-uh m ]
/ ˈskæn di əm /

noun Chemistry.

a rare, trivalent, metallic element obtained from thortveitite. Symbol: Sc; atomic weight: 44.956; atomic number: 21; specific gravity: 3.0.

Origin of scandium

From New Latin, dating back to 1875–80; see origin at Scandia, -ium

Words nearby scandium

scandic, scandinavia, scandinavian, scandinavian lox, scandinavian shield, scandium, scandium oxide, scanner, scanning disk, scanning electron microscope, scanning force microscope

Example sentences from the Web for scandium

British Dictionary definitions for scandium

scandium
/ (ˈskændɪəm) /

noun

a rare light silvery-white metallic element occurring in minute quantities in numerous minerals. Symbol: Sc; atomic no: 21; atomic wt: 44.955910; valency: 3; relative density: 2.989; melting pt: 1541°C; boiling pt: 2836°C

Word Origin for scandium

C19: from New Latin, from Latin Scandia Scandinavia, where it was discovered

Medical definitions for scandium

scandium
[ skăn′dē-əm ]

n. Symbol Sc

A highly reactive metallic element found in various rare minerals and separated as a byproduct in the processing of certain uranium ores. Atomic number 21.

Scientific definitions for scandium

scandium
[ skăn′dē-əm ]

Sc

A soft, silvery, very lightweight metallic element that is found in various rare minerals and is a byproduct in the processing of certain uranium ores. It has a high melting point and is used to make high-intensity lights. Atomic number 21; atomic weight 44.956; melting point 1,540°C; boiling point 2,850°C; specific gravity 2.99; valence 3. See Periodic Table.