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

See Examples For:

zirconium

It is called Tanbreez, a neologism that refers to tantalum, niobium, rare-earth elements and zirconium.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 14, 2026

Their analysis included iron, chromium, molybdenum, and zirconium isotopes.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 23, 2025

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

Under normal conditions, the zirconium does its job well, reinforcing the sturdy rods without getting in the way of zinging neutrons.

From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland