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

The team also achieved an unusually efficient use of the metal indium.

From Science Daily • Mar. 20, 2026

When electric current flows through the indium gallium arsenide, surface waves form in the lithium niobate layer.

From Science Daily • Jan. 17, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 10, 2025

For example, car batteries are often reliant on lithium, while indium is a rare metal used for touch screens.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2025

The complication of three segments of different types in each funnel does not affect the process of breaking up, and indium needs little attention.

From Occult Chemistry Clairvoyant Observations on the Chemical Elements by Sinnett, A. P.