lutetium

or lu·te·ci·um

[ loo-tee-shee-uhm ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a trivalent rare-earth element. : Lu; : 174.97; : 71.

lutetium

/ lʊˈtiːʃɪəm /

noun

1. a silvery-white metallic element of the lanthanide series, occurring in monazite and used as a catalyst in cracking, alkylation, and polymerization. Symbol: Lu; atomic no: 71; atomic wt: 174.967; valency: 3; relative density: 9.841; melting pt: 1663°C; boiling pt: 3402°C

lutetium

/ lo̅o̅-tē′shē-əm /

1. A silvery-white metallic element of the lanthanide series that is used in nuclear technology. Its radioactive isotope is used in determining the age of meteorites. Atomic number 71; atomic weight 174.97; melting point 1,663°C; boiling point 3,395°C; specific gravity 9.840 (at 25°C); valence 3.
2. See Periodic Table

Word History and Origins

Origin of lutetium¹

1905–10; < Latin Lūtēt ( ia ) Paris + -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of lutetium¹

C19: New Latin, from Latin Lūtētia ancient name of Paris, home of G. Urbain (1872–1938), French chemist, who discovered it