scandium

[ skan-dee-uhm ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a rare, trivalent, metallic element obtained from thortveitite. : Sc; : 44.956; : 21; : 3.0.

scandium

/ ˈskændɪəm /

noun

1. a rare light silvery-white metallic element occurring in minute quantities in numerous minerals. Symbol: Sc; atomic no: 21; atomic wt: 44.955910; valency: 3; relative density: 2.989; melting pt: 1541°C; boiling pt: 2836°C

scandium

/ skăn′dē-əm /

1. A soft, silvery, very lightweight metallic element that is found in various rare minerals and is a byproduct in the processing of certain uranium ores. It has a high melting point and is used to make high-intensity lights. Atomic number 21; atomic weight 44.956; melting point 1,540°C; boiling point 2,850°C; specific gravity 2.99; valence 3.
2. See Periodic Table

Word History and Origins

Origin of scandium¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of scandium¹

C19: from New Latin, from Latin Scandia Scandinavia, where it was discovered

Example Sentences

In 1875 Lecoq de Boisbandram discovered gallium, which filled one of the gaps; scandium and germanium filled the other two later.

From Project Gutenberg

Its group members, scandium and yttrium, have the same form; we have not examined the fourth; the group is positive.

From Project Gutenberg

The A funnel of vanadium repeats the A funnel of scandium, with the addition of d 20, already studied.

From Project Gutenberg

Nitrogen has nothing new to show us, all its constituents having appeared in scandium and yttrium.

From Project Gutenberg

In yttrium, on the proto level, a 110 and b 63 both escape from the funnel, and behave as in scandium.

From Project Gutenberg