strontium

[ stron-shee-uhm, -shuhm, -tee-uhm ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a bivalent, metallic element whose compounds resemble those of calcium, found in nature only in the combined state, as in strontianite: used in fireworks, flares, and tracer bullets. : Sr; : 87.62; : 38; : 2.6.

strontium

/ ˈstrɒntɪəm /

noun

1. a soft silvery-white element of the alkaline earth group of metals, occurring chiefly in celestite and strontianite. Its compounds burn with a crimson flame and are used in fireworks. The radioisotope strontium-90, with a half-life of 28.1 years, is used in nuclear power sources and is a hazardous nuclear fall-out product. Symbol: Sr; atomic no: 38; atomic wt: 87.62; valency: 2; relative density: 2.54; melting pt: 769°C; boiling pt: 1384°C

strontium

/ strŏn′chē-əm,-tē-əm /

1. A soft, silvery metallic element of the alkaline-earth group that occurs naturally only as a sulfate or carbonate. One of its isotopes is used in the radiometric dating of rocks. Because strontium salts burn with a red flame, they are used to make fireworks and signal flares. Atomic number 38; atomic weight 87.62; melting point 777°C; boiling point 1,382°C; specific gravity 2.54; valence 2.
2. See Periodic Table

Other Words From

• stron·tic [stron, -tik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of strontium¹

First recorded in 1800–10; stront(ia) + -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of strontium¹

C19: from New Latin, from strontian

Example Sentences

The researchers examined the thermal performance of a TCM reactor powered by strontium chloride, which gives off heat as it reacts with water vapor in the air.

From Science Daily

Whether its lead from old buildings, arsenic from contaminated food or strontium fallout from a nuclear explosion, heavy metals that enter the body pose a serious health threat.

From Los Angeles Times

Although quantum computers are not yet good enough for Phasecraft to apply the algorithm, it could in theory reveal ways to tweak strontium vanadate’s structure and improve batteries.

From Science Magazine

A scientific technique called strontium isotope analysis was used on horse teeth from 74 animals to identify where they had originated.

From Science Daily

Isotopes are variations of an element, in this case strontium.

From Science Daily