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

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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China has huge deposits of these, such as dysprosium, which is used in magnets in electric vehicles and wind turbines, and Yttrium, which provides heat-resistant coating for jet engines.

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The physicists demonstrated the new approach in experiments with dysprosium, which is the most magnetic atom in nature.

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The careful addition of a small amount of dysprosium, another rare earth element, is one way to improve a magnet's efficiency.

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For dysprosium, also used in wind turbines, that figure was 67 percent.

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