zirconium

American  

[zur-koh-nee-uhm] / zɜrˈkoʊ ni əm /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a metallic element found combined in zircon, baddeleyite, etc., resembling titanium chemically: used in steel metallurgy, as a scavenger, as a refractory, and as an opacifier in vitreous enamels. Zr; 91.22; 40; 6.49 at 20°C.

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zirconium British  

/ zɜːˈkɒnɪk, zɜːˈkəʊnɪəm /

noun

1. a greyish-white metallic element, occurring chiefly in zircon, that is exceptionally corrosion-resistant and has low neutron absorption. It is used as a coating in nuclear and chemical plants, as a deoxidizer in steel, and alloyed with niobium in superconductive magnets. Symbol: Zr; atomic no: 40; atomic wt: 91.224; valency: 2, 3, or 4; relative density: 6.506; melting pt: 1855±2°C; boiling pt: 4409°C

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zirconium Scientific  

/ zûr-kō′nē-əm /

1. A shiny, grayish-white metallic element that occurs primarily in zircon. It is used to build nuclear reactors because of its ability to withstand bombardment by neutrons even at high temperatures. Zirconium is also highly resistant to corrosion, making it a useful component of pumps, valves, and alloys. Atomic number 40; atomic weight 91.22; melting point 1,852°C; boiling point 4,377°C; specific gravity 6.56 (20°C); valence 2, 3, 4.

2. See Periodic Table

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Other Word Forms

• zirconic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of zirconium

From New Latin, dating back to 1800–10; see origin at zircon, -ium

Example Sentences

That material is known as "LLZO" for its combination of lithium, lanthanum, zirconium, and oxygen.

From Science Daily • Jan. 18, 2026

Under the customs code for "germanium oxides and zirconium dioxide", the data showed exports of 1,420 tons in September, versus 1,034 tons in August.

From Reuters • Oct. 20, 2023

They eventually uncovered deposits containing billions of dollars’ worth of zirconium, niobium, and other elements that are critical in electronics, defense, and renewable energy technologies.

From Science Magazine • Jun. 1, 2023

Follow-up work in the field and lab confirmed not just elevated levels of rare earths, but also niobium and zirconium, minerals used in jet engine components and nuclear control rods.

From Salon • Mar. 19, 2023

Everything pointed to the possibility that the fuel in the spent pool was no longer underwater, and that the zirconium cladding that encased the fuel rods had ignited.

From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland