tantalum
[ tan-tl-uhm ]
/ ˈtæn tl əm /
noun Chemistry.
a gray, hard, rare, metallic element occurring in columbite and tantalite and usually associated with niobium: used, because of its resistance to corrosion by most acids, for chemical, dental, and surgical instruments and apparatus. Symbol: Ta; atomic weight: 180.948; atomic number: 73; specific gravity: 16.6.
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Origin of tantalum
1795–1805; <New Latin; named after Tantalus
Words nearby tantalum
tantalic acid, tantalite, tantalize, tantalizing, tantalous, tantalum, Tantalus, tantalus monkey, tantamount, tantara, T antigen
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for tantalum
British Dictionary definitions for tantalum
tantalum
/ (ˈtæntələm) /
noun
a hard greyish-white metallic element that occurs with niobium in tantalite and columbite: used in electrical capacitors in most circuit boards and in alloys to increase hardness and chemical resistance, esp in surgical instruments. Symbol: Ta; atomic no: 73; atomic wt: 180.9479; valency: 2, 3, 4, or 5; relative density: 16.654; melting pt: 3020°C; boiling pt: 5458±100°C
Word Origin for tantalum
C19: named after Tantalus, with reference to the metal's incapacity to absorb acids
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Medical definitions for tantalum
tantalum
[ tăn′tə-ləm ]
n. Symbol Ta
A hard heavy metallic element that is exceptionally resistant to chemical attack below 150°C and is used to make electronic components and surgical instruments. Atomic number 73.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Scientific definitions for tantalum
tantalum
[ tăn′tə-ləm ]
Ta
A hard, heavy, gray metallic element that is highly resistant to corrosion at low temperatures. It is used to make light-bulb filaments, surgical instruments, and glass for camera lenses. Atomic number 73; atomic weight 180.948; melting point 3,017°C; boiling point 5,458°C; specific gravity 16.6; valence 2, 3, 4, 5. See Periodic Table.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.