indium

in·di·um  (nd-m)

n. Symbol In

A soft, malleable, silvery-white metallic element found primarily in ores of zinc and tin, used as a plating over silver in making mirrors, in plating aircraft bearings, and in compounds for making transistors. Atomic number 49; atomic weight 114.82; melting point 156.61°C; boiling point 2,080°C; specific gravity 7.31; valence 1, 2, 3. See Table at element.

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[ind(igo) + -ium (so called from the indigo-blue lines in its spectrum).]

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indium [ˈɪndɪəm]

n

(Chemistry / Elements & Compounds) a rare soft silvery metallic element associated with zinc ores: used in alloys, electronics, and electroplating. Symbol: In; atomic no.: 49; atomic wt.: 114.82; valency: 1, 2, or 3; relative density: 7.31; melting pt.: 156.63°C; boiling pt.: 2073°C

[New Latin, from indigo + -ium]

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indium  (nd-m)

Symbol In

A soft, malleable, silvery-white metallic element that occurs mainly in ores of zinc and lead. It is used in the manufacture of semiconductors, in bearings for aircraft engines, and as a plating over silver in mirrors. Atomic number 49; atomic weight 114.82; melting point 156.61°C; boiling point 2,080°C; specific gravity 7.31; valence 1, 2, 3. See Periodic Table.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

indium - a rare soft silvery metallic element; occurs in small quantities in sphalerite atomic number 49, In metal, metallic element - any of several chemical elements that are usually shiny solids that conduct heat or electricity and can be formed into sheets etc. blende, sphalerite, zinc blende - an ore that is the chief source of zinc; consists largely of zinc sulfide in crystalline form