[seer-ee-uh
m] 
| a steel-gray, ductile metallic element of the rare-earth group found only in combination. Symbol: Ce; atomic weight: 140.12; atomic number: 58. |
| ce·ri·um (sîr'ē-əm) n. Symbol Ce A lustrous, iron-gray, malleable metallic rare-earth element that occurs chiefly in the minerals monazite and bastnaesite, exists in four allotropic states, is a constituent of lighter flint alloys, and is used in various metallurgical and nuclear applications. Atomic number 58; atomic weight 140.12; melting point 795°C; boiling point 3,468°C; specific gravity 6.67 to 8.23; valence 3, 4. See Table at element. [Cer(es) + -ium.] |
cerium ce·ri·um (sēr'ē-əm)
n.
Symbol Ce
A lustrous, malleable metallic rare-earth element that occurs chiefly in the minerals monazite and bastnaesite, exists in four allotropic states, and is used in lighter flint alloys. Atomic number 58; atomic weight 140.12; melting point 799°C; boiling point 3,424°C; specific gravity 6.67; valence 3, 4.
| cerium (sîr'ē-əm) Pronunciation Key
Symbol Ce A shiny, gray metallic element of the lanthanide series. It is ductile and malleable and is used in electronic components, alloys, and lighter flints. It is also used in glass polishing and as a catalyst in self-cleaning ovens. Atomic number 58; atomic weight 140.12; melting point 795°C; boiling point 3,468°C; specific gravity 6.67 to 8.23; valence 3, 4. See Periodic Table. |