samarium

[ suh-mair-ee-uhm ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a rare-earth metallic element discovered in samarskite. : Sm; : 150.35; : 62; : 7.49.

samarium

/ səˈmɛərɪəm /

noun

1. a silvery metallic element of the lanthanide series occurring chiefly in monazite and bastnaesite and used in carbon-arc lighting, as a doping agent in laser crystals, and as a neutron-absorber. Symbol: Sm; atomic no: 62; atomic wt: 150.36; valency: 2 or 3; relative density: 7.520; melting pt: 1074°C; boiling pt: 1794°C

samarium

/ sə-mâr′ē-əm /

1. A silvery-white metallic element of the lanthanide series that exists in several forms and has seven naturally occurring isotopes. It is used to make glass that absorbs infrared light and to absorb neutrons in the fuel rods of nuclear reactors. Atomic number 62; atomic weight 150.36; melting point 1,072°C; boiling point 1,791°C; specific gravity approximately 7.50; valence 2, 3.
2. See Periodic Table

Word History and Origins

Origin of samarium¹

From New Latin, dating back to 1875–80; samarskite, -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of samarium¹

C19: New Latin, from samarskite + -ium

Example Sentences

Certain absorption bands at the blue end of the spectrum are supposed to be due to rare elements such as samarium.

From Project Gutenberg