boron
[ bawr-on, bohr- ]
/ ˈbɔr ɒn, ˈboʊr- /
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noun Chemistry.
a nonmetallic element occurring naturally only in combination, as in borax or boric acid, and obtained in either an amorphous or a crystalline form when reduced from its compounds. Symbol: B; atomic weight: 10.811; atomic number: 5.
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Let’s start with some etymology: What are the origins of the typographical word “bracket”?
First appeared around 1750, and is related to the French word “braguette” for the name of codpiece armor.
First appeared in 1610, based on the French word “baguette” for the long loaf of bread.
First appeared in 1555, and is related to the French word “raquette” for a netted bat.
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bo·ron·ic [boh-ron-ik, baw-, buh-], /boʊˈrɒn ɪk, bɔ-, bə-/, adjectiveWords nearby boron
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for boron
British Dictionary definitions for boron
boron
/ (ˈbɔːrɒn) /
noun
a very hard almost colourless crystalline metalloid element that in impure form exists as a brown amorphous powder. It occurs principally in borax and is used in hardening steel. The naturally occurring isotope boron-10 is used in nuclear control rods and neutron detection instruments. Symbol: B; atomic no: 5; atomic wt: 10.81; valency: 3; relative density: 2.34 (crystalline), 2.37 (amorphous); melting pt: 2092°C; boiling pt: 4002°C
Word Origin for boron
C19: from bor (ax) + (carb) on
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Medical definitions for boron
boron
[ bôr′ŏn′ ]
n. Symbol B
A soft, nonmetallic element found in compounds that are used in treating cancer and as astringents and antiseptics. Atomic number 5.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Scientific definitions for boron
boron
[ bôr′ŏn′ ]
B
A shiny, brittle, black metalloid element extracted chiefly from borax. It is a good electrical conductor at high temperatures and a poor conductor at low temperatures. Boron is necessary for the growth of land plants and is used in the preparation of soaps, abrasives, and hard alloys. It is also used in the control rods of nuclear reactors as a neutron absorber. Atomic number 5; atomic weight 10.811; melting point 2,300°C; sublimation point 2,550°C; specific gravity (crystal) 2.34; valence 3. See Periodic Table.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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