indium

American  

[in-dee-uhm] / ˈɪn di əm /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a rare metallic element, soft, white, malleable, and easily fusible, found combined in various ore minerals, especially sphalerite: so called from the two indigo-blue lines in its spectrum. In; 114.82; 49; 7.3 at 20°C.

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indium British  

/ ˈɪndɪəm /

noun

1. a rare soft silvery metallic element associated with zinc ores: used in alloys, electronics, and electroplating. Symbol: In; atomic no: 49; atomic wt: 114.82; valency: 1, 2, or 3; relative density: 7.31; melting pt: 156.63°C; boiling pt: 2073°C

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indium Scientific  

/ ĭn′dē-əm /

1. A soft, malleable, silvery-white metallic element that occurs mainly in ores of zinc and lead. It is used in the manufacture of semiconductors, in bearings for aircraft engines, and as a plating over silver in mirrors. Atomic number 49; atomic weight 114.82; melting point 156.61°C; boiling point 2,080°C; specific gravity 7.31; valence 1, 2, 3.

2. See Periodic Table

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Etymology

Origin of indium

1860–65; < New Latin, equivalent to ind ( icum ) indigo + -ium -ium

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

indium

The cylinder itself is sealed with a thin protective layer of a soft, malleable metal called indium.

From Barron's ● Jul. 2, 2026

That puts a dent in its 5,867% gain in the past 12 months, as investors bet on explosive demand for its indium phosphide substrates, used for optical—networking and photonic components within data centers.

From Barron's ● Apr. 21, 2026

"This 'shadow' of indium doesn't completely disappear. The memory is not erased."

From Science Daily ● Mar. 13, 2026

The process results in new alloys that can imitate platinum, silver and indium.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 10, 2025

A high tension current was there created, of such powerful intensity that it disintegrated the atoms of every element except osmium and indium into their constituent electrons.

From Astounding Stories, July, 1931 by Various