cerium

ce·ri·um  (sîr-m)

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.

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[Cer(es) + -ium.]

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cerium [ˈsɪərɪəm]

n

(Chemistry / Elements & Compounds) a malleable ductile steel-grey element of the lanthanide series of metals, used in lighter flints and as a reducing agent in metallurgy. Symbol: Ce; atomic no.: 58; atomic wt.: 140.115; valency: 3 or 4; relative density: 6.770; melting pt.: 798°C; boiling pt.: 3443°C

[New Latin, from Ceres (the asteroid) + -ium]

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cerium  (sîr-m)

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.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

cerium - a ductile grey metallic element of the lanthanide series; used in lighter flints; the most abundant of the rare-earth group atomic number 58, Ce 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. bastnaesite, bastnasite - a yellow-to-brown mineral that is a source of rare earth elements gadolinite, ytterbite - a mineral that is a source of rare earths; consists of silicates of iron and beryllium and cerium and yttrium and erbium monazite - a reddish-brown mineral containing rare earth metals; an important source of thorium and cerium