zirconium

[ zur-koh-nee-uhm ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. 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. : Zr; : 91.22; : 40; : 6.49 at 20°C.

zirconium

/ zɜːˈkəʊnɪəm; zɜːˈkɒnɪk /

noun

1. 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

zirconium

/ zûr-kō′nē-əm /

1. 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.
2. See Periodic Table

Derived Forms

• zirconic, adjective

Other Words From

• zir·con·ic [zur-, kon, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of zirconium¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of zirconium¹

C19: from New Latin; see zircon

Example Sentences

He specialized in research and development in zirconium products, and allegedly had distant ties to Iran.

From The Daily Beast

The other source of vector is the reaction between the zirconium and water.

From The Daily Beast

The zirconium alloy will react with water to produce hydrogen and oxide, but it also produces heat that has to be removed.

From The Daily Beast

On the prolonged boiling of the filtrate, the oxide of titanium (and oxide of zirconium, if any) is precipitated.

From Project Gutenberg

Zirconium is exactly like titanium in form, but contains a large number of atoms.

From Project Gutenberg

On the one side is carbon, with below it titanium and zirconium; on the other silicon, with germanium and tin.

From Project Gutenberg

Zirconium chlorid has an astringent taste, and if fed repeatedly will cause the metallic astringent action.

From Project Gutenberg

A lamp-filament of titanium and zirconium with electric lamps or with alloys?

From Project Gutenberg