europium

eu·ro·pi·um  (y-rp-m)

n. Symbol Eu

A silvery-white, soft, rare-earth element occurring in monazite and bastnaesite and used to dope lasers and to absorb neutrons in research. Atomic number 63; atomic weight 151.96; melting point 826°C; boiling point 1,439°C; specific gravity 5.259; valence 2, 3. See Table at element.

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[After Europe.]

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europium [jʊˈrəʊpɪəm]

n

(Chemistry / Elements & Compounds) a soft ductile reactive silvery-white element of the lanthanide series of metals: used as the red phosphor in colour television and in lasers. Symbol: Eu; atomic no.: 63; atomic wt.: 151.965; valency: 2 or 3; relative density: 5.244; melting pt.: 822°C; boiling pt.: 1527°C

[named after Europe + -ium]

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europium  (y-rp-m)

Symbol Eu

A very rare, silvery-white metallic element that is the softest member of the lanthanide series. It is used in making color television tubes and lasers and as a neutron absorber in nuclear research. Atomic number 63; atomic weight 151.96; melting point 826°C; boiling point 1,439°C; specific gravity 5.259; valence 2, 3. See Periodic Table.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

europium - a bivalent and trivalent metallic element of the rare earth group atomic number 63, Eu 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. monazite - a reddish-brown mineral containing rare earth metals; an important source of thorium and cerium