antimony

[an-tuh-moh-nee]

noun

Chemistry.

1. a brittle, lustrous, white metallic element occurring in nature free or combined, used chiefly in alloys and in compounds in medicine. Sb; 51; 121.75.

antimony

/ ˈæntɪmənɪ /

noun

1. a toxic metallic element that exists in two allotropic forms and occurs principally in stibnite. The stable form is a brittle silvery-white crystalline metal that is added to alloys to increase their strength and hardness and is used in semiconductors. Symbol: Sb; atomic no: 51; atomic wt: 121.757; valency: 0, –3, +3, or +5; relative density: 6.691; melting pt: 630.76°C; boiling pt: 1587°C

antimony

1. A metalloid element having many forms, the most common of which is a hard, very brittle, shiny, blue-white crystal. It is used in a wide variety of alloys, especially with lead in car batteries, and in the manufacture of flameproofing compounds. Atomic number 51; atomic weight 121.76; melting point 630.5°C (1,167°F); boiling point 1,380°C (2,516°F); specific gravity 6.691; valence 3, 5.

2. See Periodic Table

Other Word Forms

• antimonial adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of antimony¹

1375–1425; late Middle English antimonie < Medieval Latin antimōnium, perhaps < dialectal Arabic uthmud

Word History and Origins

Origin of antimony¹

C15: from Medieval Latin antimōnium, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

Elevated amounts of lead, chromium, and antimony were also detected.

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Gold and silver, along with arsenic, antimony, and mercury, accumulate in the surrounding rocks.

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Until recently, antimony, which is often found in gold mines, was treated as detritus by gold miners.

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After last week's meeting, the White House said China will issue export licences for rare earths, as well as gallium, germanium, antimony and graphite.

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Short term, inhaling antimony can cause eye irritation or a skin rash known as antimony spots.

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