boron

American  

[bawr-on, bohr-] / ˈbɔr ɒn, ˈboʊr- /

noun

Chemistry.

1. 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. B; 10.811; 5.

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boron British  

/ ˈbɔːrɒn /

noun

1. 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

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boron Scientific  

/ bôr′ŏn′ /

1. 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.

2. See Periodic Table

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Other Word Forms

• boronic adjective

Etymology

Origin of boron

1805–15; bor(ax ¹ ) + (carb)on

Example Sentences

To examine how acidity has evolved over time, the researchers analyzed historic coral samples and measured boron isotope signatures preserved in their skeletons.

From Science Daily

Finally Ioneer benefits from executive orders mandating increased domestic production of boron.

From Barron's

For more than a decade, boron arsenide has intrigued scientists.

From Science Daily

The patients are then exposed to low-energy neutrons, which react with the boron, destroying cancer cells without damaging healthy cells.

From Science Daily

Activists want legislators to permanently ban the mining of lithium and boron in Serbia, warning of possible dangers to public health and contamination of land and water.

From BBC