zirconium

[ zur-koh-nee-uhm ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a metallic element found combined in zircon, baddeleyite, etc., resembling titanium chemically: used in steel metallurgy, as a scavenger, as a refractory, and as an opacifier in vitreous enamels. : Zr; : 91.22; : 40; : 6.49 at 20°C.

zirconium

/ zɜːˈkɒnɪk; zɜːˈkəʊnɪəm /

noun

1. a greyish-white metallic element, occurring chiefly in zircon, that is exceptionally corrosion-resistant and has low neutron absorption. It is used as a coating in nuclear and chemical plants, as a deoxidizer in steel, and alloyed with niobium in superconductive magnets. Symbol: Zr; atomic no: 40; atomic wt: 91.224; valency: 2, 3, or 4; relative density: 6.506; melting pt: 1855±2°C; boiling pt: 4409°C

zirconium

/ zûr-kō′nē-əm /

1. A shiny, grayish-white metallic element that occurs primarily in zircon. It is used to build nuclear reactors because of its ability to withstand bombardment by neutrons even at high temperatures. Zirconium is also highly resistant to corrosion, making it a useful component of pumps, valves, and alloys. Atomic number 40; atomic weight 91.22; melting point 1,852°C; boiling point 4,377°C; specific gravity 6.56 (20°C); valence 2, 3, 4.
2. See Periodic Table

Derived Forms

• zirconic, adjective

Other Words From

• zir·con·ic [zur-, kon, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of zirconium¹

From New Latin, dating back to 1800–10; zircon, -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of zirconium¹

C19: from New Latin; see zircon

Example Sentences

Among aluminum, titanium, and zirconium, all contributed to increased discharge capacity and retention in the high-capacity nickel cathode material with titanium exhibiting the most pronounced effect.

From Science Daily

The group went further to successfully demonstrate this strategy by creating a lithium-metal-chloride solid-state battery based on zirconium, which is far cheaper than the variants that employ rare earth metals.

From Science Daily

It was not possible to verify if the shipments were made up of only zirconium dioxide or also included some germanium oxide.

From Reuters

They eventually uncovered deposits containing billions of dollars’ worth of zirconium, niobium, and other elements that are critical in electronics, defense, and renewable energy technologies.

From Science Magazine

Follow-up work in the field and lab confirmed not just elevated levels of rare earths, but also niobium and zirconium, minerals used in jet engine components and nuclear control rods.

From Salon