didymium

[ dahy-dim-ee-uhm, dih- ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a mixture of neodymium and praseodymium, formerly thought to be an element. : Di

didymium

/ daɪˈdɪmɪəm; dɪ- /

noun

1. a mixture of the metallic rare earths neodymium and praseodymium, once thought to be an element
2. a mixture of rare earths and their oxides used in colouring glass

Word History and Origins

Origin of didymium¹

< New Latin < Greek dídym ( os ) twin ( didymous ) + -ium; so named by Swedish chemist Carl Mosander (1797–1858), who discovered it in 1843, from its close association with lanthanum

Word History and Origins

Origin of didymium¹

C19: from New Latin, from Greek didumos twin + -ium

Example Sentences

Didymium salts have a rose or violet colour, and impart (when in sufficient quantity) the same colour to the borax bead.

From Project Gutenberg

A subnitrate of didymium is formed, and remains as an insoluble residue on extracting with hot water.

From Project Gutenberg

Neodymium (Nd) forms the chief portion of the old “didymium.”

From Project Gutenberg

It is readily distinguished from Didymium minus by the much larger and more distinctly warted spores.

From Project Gutenberg

Spumaria is essentially related to Didymium by the crystals of lime upon the walls of the sporangia.

From Project Gutenberg