tantalum

[ tan-tl-uhm ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a gray, hard, rare, metallic element occurring in columbite and tantalite and usually associated with niobium: used, because of its resistance to corrosion by most acids, for chemical, dental, and surgical instruments and apparatus. : Ta; : 180.948; : 73; : 16.6.

tantalum

/ ˈtæntələm /

noun

1. a hard greyish-white metallic element that occurs with niobium in tantalite and columbite: used in electrical capacitors in most circuit boards and in alloys to increase hardness and chemical resistance, esp in surgical instruments. Symbol: Ta; atomic no: 73; atomic wt: 180.9479; valency: 2, 3, 4, or 5; relative density: 16.654; melting pt: 3020°C; boiling pt: 5458±100°C

tantalum

/ tăn′tə-ləm /

1. A hard, heavy, gray metallic element that is highly resistant to corrosion at low temperatures. It is used to make light-bulb filaments, surgical instruments, and glass for camera lenses. Atomic number 73; atomic weight 180.948; melting point 3,017°C; boiling point 5,458°C; specific gravity 16.6; valence 2, 3, 4, 5.
2. See Periodic Table

Word History and Origins

Origin of tantalum¹

1795–1805; < New Latin; named after Tantalus

Word History and Origins

Origin of tantalum¹

C19: named after Tantalus , with reference to the metal's incapacity to absorb acids

Example Sentences

The town holds deposits of tantalum, which is extracted from coltan, a key component in the production of smartphones.

From Seattle Times

"Tungsten, niobium and tantalum were not as effective in this chemical form," Nyman said.

From Science Daily

As described in a paper just published in the journal Advanced Materials, a thin layer of magnesium keeps tantalum from oxidizing, improves its purity, and raises the temperature at which it operates as a superconductor.

From Science Daily

"We always thought if the tantalum is oxidized, it becomes completely amorphous, with no crystalline order at all," said Liu.

From Science Daily

It singles out “so-called ‘conflict minerals’ like tin, tantalum, tungsten, gold, diamonds, cobalt and coltan, as well as cocoa, charcoal, timber and wildlife” being exploited by armed groups and criminal networks supporting them.

From Seattle Times