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tantalum

American

[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. Ta; 180.948; 73; 16.6.

tantalum British

/ 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

"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

tantalum Scientific

/ tăn′tə-ləm /

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

Etymology

Origin of tantalum

1795–1805; < New Latin; named after Tantalus

Example Sentences

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tantalum

In addition to lithium, Somaliland is rich in tantalum and niobium -- critical minerals for electronics -- as well as gold, copper, and emeralds, according to the ministry, though quantities have yet to be verified.

From Barron's ● Feb. 25, 2026

The metallic ore contains tantalum, which is used to produce high-performance capacitors in a range of electronic devices, making it in high demand worldwide.

From BBC ● Jan. 31, 2026

The company also said it continues to strengthen industrywide supply-chain due diligence, and last year told suppliers to stop obtaining tin, tungsten, tantalum and gold from Congo and neighboring Rwanda.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 8, 2025

First, they incorporated tantalum, a metal known for helping delicate circuits retain energy.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 17, 2025

When the light is turned on and the little tantalum filament glows, it is ready for business.

From The Dream Doctor by Reeve, Arthur B. (Arthur Benjamin)

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023