zirconium

[ zur-koh-nee-uh m ]
/ zɜrˈkoʊ ni əm /

noun Chemistry.

a metallic element found combined in zircon, baddeleyite, etc., resembling titanium chemically: used in steel metallurgy, as a scavenger, as a refractory, and as an opacifier in vitreous enamels. Symbol: Zr; atomic weight: 91.22; atomic number: 40; specific gravity: 6.49 at 20°C.

Origin of zirconium

From New Latin, dating back to 1800–10; see origin at zircon, -ium

OTHER WORDS FROM zirconium

zir·con·ic [zur-kon-ik] /zɜrˈkɒn ɪk/, adjective

Words nearby zirconium

ziram, zircalloy, zircaloy, zircon, zirconia, zirconium, zirconium oxide, zirconyl, ziska, zit, zither

Example sentences from the Web for zirconium

British Dictionary definitions for zirconium

zirconium
/ (zɜːˈkəʊnɪəm) /

noun

a greyish-white metallic element, occurring chiefly in zircon, that is exceptionally corrosion-resistant and has low neutron absorption. It is used as a coating in nuclear and chemical plants, as a deoxidizer in steel, and alloyed with niobium in superconductive magnets. Symbol: Zr; atomic no: 40; atomic wt: 91.224; valency: 2, 3, or 4; relative density: 6.506; melting pt: 1855±2°C; boiling pt: 4409°C

Derived forms of zirconium

zirconic (zɜːˈkɒnɪk), adjective

Word Origin for zirconium

C19: from New Latin; see zircon

Medical definitions for zirconium

zirconium
[ zûr-kō′nē-əm ]

n. Symbol Zr

A strong ductile metallic element obtained primarily from zircon, used in deodorants and dermatologic preparations. Atomic number 40.

Scientific definitions for zirconium

zirconium
[ zûr-kō′nē-əm ]

Zr

A shiny, grayish-white metallic element that occurs primarily in zircon. It is used to build nuclear reactors because of its ability to withstand bombardment by neutrons even at high temperatures. Zirconium is also highly resistant to corrosion, making it a useful component of pumps, valves, and alloys. Atomic number 40; atomic weight 91.22; melting point 1,852°C; boiling point 4,377°C; specific gravity 6.56 (20°C); valence 2, 3, 4. See Periodic Table.