dysprosium

dys·pro·si·um  (ds-prz-m, -zh-m)

n. Symbol Dy

A soft, silvery rare-earth element used in nuclear research. Atomic number 66; atomic weight 162.50; melting point 1,407°C; boiling point 2,600°C; specific gravity 8.536; valence 3. See Table at element.

---

[New Latin, from Greek dusprositos, difficult to approach : dus-, dys- + prositos, approachable (from prosienai, to approach : pros-, toward + ienai, i-, to go; see ei- in Indo-European roots).]

---

dysprosium [dɪsˈprəʊsɪəm]

n

(Chemistry / Elements & Compounds) 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

[New Latin, from Greek dusprositos difficult to get near + -ium]

---

dysprosium  (ds-prz-m)

Symbol Dy

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. See Periodic Table.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

dysprosium - a trivalent metallic element of the rare earth group; forms compounds that are highly magnetic atomic number 66, Dy 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.