Advertisement

Advertisement

dysprosium

[ dis-proh-see-uhm, -shee- ]

noun

, Chemistry.
  1. a rare-earth metallic element, highly reactive and paramagnetic, found in small amounts in various rare-earth minerals, as euxenite and monazite: used to absorb neutrons in nuclear reactors. : Dy; : 162.50; : 66.


dysprosium

/ dɪsˈprəʊsɪəm /

noun

  1. a soft silvery-white metallic element of the lanthanide series: used in laser materials and as a neutron absorber in nuclear control rods. Symbol: Dy; atomic no: 66; atomic wt: 162.50; valency: 3; relative density: 8.551; melting pt: 1412°C; boiling pt: 2567°C


dysprosium

/ dĭs-prōzē-əm /

  1. A soft, silvery metallic element of the lanthanide series. Because it has a high melting point and absorbs neutrons well, dysprosium is used to help control nuclear reactions. Atomic number 66; atomic weight 162.50; melting point 1,407°C; boiling point 2,600°C; specific gravity 8.536; valence 3.


Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of dysprosium1

1885–90; < New Latin < Greek dysprós ( itos ) hard to get at ( dys- dys- + pros- to + itós, past participle of iénai to go) + -ium

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of dysprosium1

C20: New Latin, from Greek dusprositos difficult to get near + -ium

Advertisement

Word of the Day

tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

Meaning and examples

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


dyspraxiadysrhythmia