gallium

gal·li·um   (gāl'ē-əm)    n.   Symbol Ga A rare metallic element that is liquid near room temperature, expands on solidifying, and is found as a trace element in coal, bauxite, and other minerals. It is used in semiconductor technology and as a component of various low-melting alloys. Atomic number 31; atomic weight 69.72; melting point 29.78°C; boiling point 2,403°C; specific gravity 5.907; valence 2, 3. See Table at element. [From Latin gallus, cock, punning translation of surname of Paul Émile Lecoq de Boisbaudran (1838-1912), French chemist and element's discoverer : French le, the + French coq, rooster.]

Main Entry: gal·li·um
Pronunciation: 'gal-E-&m
Function: noun
: a rare bluish white metallic element that is hard and brittle at lowtemperatures but melts just above room temperature and expands on freezing and that is used in the form of its nitrate salt to treat hypercalcemia caused by certain cancers —symbol Ga;—see ELEMENT table

gallium gal·li·um (gāl'ē-əm)
n.
Symbol Ga
A rare metallic element that is liquid near room temperature and is found as a trace element in coal, bauxite, and other minerals. Atomic number 31; atomic weight 69.72; melting point 29.76°C; boiling point 2,204°C; specific gravity 5.904; valence 2, 3.