dysprosium

[ dis-proh-see-uhm, -shee- ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a rare-earth metallic element, highly reactive and paramagnetic, found in small amounts in various rare-earth minerals, as euxenite and monazite: used to absorb neutrons in nuclear reactors. : Dy; : 162.50; : 66.

dysprosium

/ dɪsˈprəʊsɪəm /

noun

1. a soft silvery-white metallic element of the lanthanide series: used in laser materials and as a neutron absorber in nuclear control rods. Symbol: Dy; atomic no: 66; atomic wt: 162.50; valency: 3; relative density: 8.551; melting pt: 1412°C; boiling pt: 2567°C

dysprosium

/ dĭs-prō′zē-əm /

1. A soft, silvery metallic element of the lanthanide series. Because it has a high melting point and absorbs neutrons well, dysprosium is used to help control nuclear reactions. Atomic number 66; atomic weight 162.50; melting point 1,407°C; boiling point 2,600°C; specific gravity 8.536; valence 3.
2. See Periodic Table

Word History and Origins

Origin of dysprosium¹

1885–90; < New Latin < Greek dysprós ( itos ) hard to get at ( dys- dys- + pros- to + itós, past participle of iénai to go) + -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of dysprosium¹

C20: New Latin, from Greek dusprositos difficult to get near + -ium

Example Sentences

The physicists demonstrated the new approach in experiments with dysprosium, which is the most magnetic atom in nature.

From Science Daily

The careful addition of a small amount of dysprosium, another rare earth element, is one way to improve a magnet's efficiency.

From BBC

For dysprosium, also used in wind turbines, that figure was 67 percent.

From New York Times

Aside from over-reliance on China, refining rare earths, such as neodymium and dysprosium, involves solvents and toxic waste that conflict with sustainability goals.

From Reuters

Because they're so magnetic, these breakaway particles interact strongly with the quantum fluid and encourage dysprosium atoms' inherent inclination to stack.

From Scientific American