tantalum

American  

[tan-tl-uhm] / ˈtæn tl əm /

noun

Chemistry.

1. 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.

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tantalum British  

/ ˈtæntələm /

noun

1. 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

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tantalum Scientific  

/ tăn′tə-ləm /

1. 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.

2. See Periodic Table

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Etymology

Origin of tantalum

1795–1805; < New Latin; named after Tantalus

Example Sentences

The US is also negotiating a minerals deal with DR Congo to help gain access to the central African country's vast reserves of key metals such as cobalt, tantalum, lithium and copper.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

With no local testing or controls of exports, secondary minerals like tantalum, beryl and tin were being shipped out undetected and untaxed.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 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

This includes cobalt, copper, lithium, manganese and tantalum - key ingredients needed to make the electronic components used in computers, electric vehicles, mobile phones, wind turbines and military hardware.

From BBC • Dec. 4, 2025

In 1803 a new element was discovered and named tantalum.

From Artificial Light Its Influence upon Civilization by Luckiesh, Matthew