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samarium

[ suh-mair-ee-uhm ]
/ səˈmɛər i əm /

noun Chemistry.

a rare-earth metallic element discovered in samarskite. Symbol: Sm; atomic weight: 150.35; atomic number: 62; specific gravity: 7.49.

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Origin of samarium

From New Latin, dating back to 1875–80; see origin at samarskite, -ium

Words nearby samarium

Samarang, Samaria, samariform, Samarinda, Samaritan, samarium, Samarkand, Samarra, samarskite, Sama-Veda, samba
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for samarium

British Dictionary definitions for samarium

samarium
/ (səˈmɛərɪəm) /

noun

a silvery metallic element of the lanthanide series occurring chiefly in monazite and bastnaesite and used in carbon-arc lighting, as a doping agent in laser crystals, and as a neutron-absorber. Symbol: Sm; atomic no: 62; atomic wt: 150.36; valency: 2 or 3; relative density: 7.520; melting pt: 1074°C; boiling pt: 1794°C

Word Origin for samarium

C19: New Latin, from samarskite + -ium
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for samarium

samarium
[ sə-mâr′ē-əm, -măr′- ]

n. Symbol Sm

A metallic rare-earth element used in alloys, in infrared absorbing glass, and as a neutron absorber in certain nuclear reactors. Atomic number 62.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Scientific definitions for samarium

samarium
[ sə-mâr′ē-əm ]

Sm

A silvery-white metallic element of the lanthanide series that exists in several forms and has seven naturally occurring isotopes. It is used to make glass that absorbs infrared light and to absorb neutrons in the fuel rods of nuclear reactors. Atomic number 62; atomic weight 150.36; melting point 1,072°C; boiling point 1,791°C; specific gravity approximately 7.50; valence 2, 3. See Periodic Table.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.