dysprosium

[dis-proh-see-uhm, -shee-]

noun

Chemistry.

1. a rare-earth metallic element, highly reactive and paramagnetic, found in small amounts in various rare-earth minerals, as euxenite and monazite: used to absorb neutrons in nuclear reactors. Dy; 162.50; 66.

dysprosium

/ dɪsˈprəʊsɪəm /

noun

1. a soft silvery-white metallic element of the lanthanide series: used in laser materials and as a neutron absorber in nuclear control rods. Symbol: Dy; atomic no: 66; atomic wt: 162.50; valency: 3; relative density: 8.551; melting pt: 1412°C; boiling pt: 2567°C

dysprosium

1. A soft, silvery metallic element of the lanthanide series. Because it has a high melting point and absorbs neutrons well, dysprosium is used to help control nuclear reactions. Atomic number 66; atomic weight 162.50; melting point 1,407°C; boiling point 2,600°C; specific gravity 8.536; valence 3.

2. See Periodic Table

Word History and Origins

Origin of dysprosium¹

1885–90; < New Latin < Greek dysprós ( itos ) hard to get at ( dys- dys- + pros- to + itós, past participle of iénai to go) + -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of dysprosium¹

C20: New Latin, from Greek dusprositos difficult to get near + _-ium

Example Sentences

Heavy rare-earth elements include dysprosium, terbium, holmium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, lutetium, and yttrium.

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Shares in companies that aim to produce obscure minerals—including dysprosium, used in high-performance magnets, and magnesium, which strengthens aluminum alloys—rose by as much as 20% in Sydney on Tuesday after U.S.

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With names like dysprosium, neodymium and cerium, rare earths are a group of 17 heavy metals that are abundant throughout the Earth's crust.

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One of the most critical rare earths is dysprosium, atomic number 66 on the periodic table.

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It just so happens the byproducts of these mineral sands include dysprosium and terbium - some of the most sought-after rare earths.

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