tantalum

[ tan-tl-uh m ]
/ ˈtæn tl əm /

noun Chemistry.

a gray, hard, rare, metallic element occurring in columbite and tantalite and usually associated with niobium: used, because of its resistance to corrosion by most acids, for chemical, dental, and surgical instruments and apparatus. Symbol: Ta; atomic weight: 180.948; atomic number: 73; specific gravity: 16.6.

Origin of tantalum

1795–1805; < New Latin; named after Tantalus

Example sentences from the Web for tantalum

British Dictionary definitions for tantalum

tantalum
/ (ˈtæntələm) /

noun

a hard greyish-white metallic element that occurs with niobium in tantalite and columbite: used in electrical capacitors in most circuit boards and in alloys to increase hardness and chemical resistance, esp in surgical instruments. Symbol: Ta; atomic no: 73; atomic wt: 180.9479; valency: 2, 3, 4, or 5; relative density: 16.654; melting pt: 3020°C; boiling pt: 5458±100°C

Word Origin for tantalum

C19: named after Tantalus, with reference to the metal's incapacity to absorb acids

Medical definitions for tantalum

tantalum
[ tăntə-ləm ]

n. Symbol Ta

A hard heavy metallic element that is exceptionally resistant to chemical attack below 150°C and is used to make electronic components and surgical instruments. Atomic number 73.

Scientific definitions for tantalum

tantalum
[ tăntə-ləm ]

Ta

A hard, heavy, gray metallic element that is highly resistant to corrosion at low temperatures. It is used to make light-bulb filaments, surgical instruments, and glass for camera lenses. Atomic number 73; atomic weight 180.948; melting point 3,017°C; boiling point 5,458°C; specific gravity 16.6; valence 2, 3, 4, 5. See Periodic Table.