gallium

[gal-ee-uhm]

noun

Chemistry.

1. a rare, steel-gray, trivalent metallic element used in high-temperature thermometers because of its high boiling point (1983°C) and low melting point (30°C). Ga; 69.72; 31; 5.91 at 20°C.

gallium

/ ˈɡælɪəm /

noun

1. a silvery metallic element that is liquid for a wide temperature range. It occurs in trace amounts in some ores and is used in high-temperature thermometers and low-melting alloys. Gallium arsenide is a semiconductor. Symbol: Ga; atomic no: 31; atomic wt: 69.723; valency: 2 or 3; relative density: 5.904; melting pt: 29.77°C; boiling pt: 2205°C

gallium

1. A rare, silvery metallic element that is found as a trace element in coal, in bauxite, and in several minerals. It is liquid near room temperature and expands when it solidifies. It is used in thermometers and semiconductors. Atomic number 31; atomic weight 69.72; melting point 29.78°C; boiling point 2,403°C; specific gravity 5.907; valence 2, 3.

2. See Periodic Table

Word History and Origins

Origin of gallium¹

1870–75; < New Latin, equivalent to Latin gall ( us ) cock (translation of French coq, from Lecoq de Boisbaudran, 19th-century French chemist) + New Latin -ium -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of gallium¹

C19: from New Latin, from Latin gallus cock, translation of French coq in the name of its discoverer, Lecoq de Boisbaudran, 19th-century French chemist

Example Sentences

In the new study, researchers developed germanium films heavily infused with gallium, a softer element commonly used in electronics.

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Alcoa and Sojitz Corporation will develop a gallium plant in Western Australia with the backing of the Japanese, Australian and U.S. governments.

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The planned Alcoa plant would produce about 100 metric tons of gallium a year, or up to 10% of global supply.

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We’re looking at new materials, like gallium nitride and silicon carbide, to drive new energy density and energy efficiency.

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The White House approves the Ambler Road Project to access Alaska’s mineral potential, including copper, cobalt, gallium, and germanium.

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