ni·o·bi·um (n -  b - m)n. Symbol Nb A silvery, soft, ductile metallic element that occurs chiefly in columbite-tantalite and is used in steel alloys, arc welding, and superconductivity research. Atomic number 41; atomic weight 92.906; melting point 2,468°C; boiling point 4,927°C; specific gravity 8.57; valence 2, 3, 5. See Table at element. [After Niobe (so called because it is extracted from tantalite).] |
niobium [naɪˈəʊbɪəm]
n
(Chemistry / Elements & Compounds) a ductile white superconductive metallic element that occurs principally in columbite and tantalite: used in steel alloys. Symbol: Nb; atomic no.: 41; atomic wt.: 92.90638; valency: 2, 3, or 5; relative density: 8.57; melting pt.: 2469±10°C; boiling pt.: 4744°C Former name columbium
[from New Latin, from Niobe (daughter of Tantalus), so named because it occurred in tantalite]
| niobium (n-b-m) Symbol Nb A soft, silvery, ductile metallic element that usually occurs in nature together with the element tantalum. It is used to build nuclear reactors, to make steel alloys, and to allow magnets to conduct electricity with almost no resistance. Atomic number 41; atomic weight 92.906; melting point 2,468°C; boiling point 4,927°C; specific gravity 8.57; valence 2, 3, 5. See Periodic Table. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  niobium - a soft grey ductile metallic element used in alloys; occurs in niobite; formerly called columbiummetal, metallic element - any of several chemical elements that are usually shiny solids that conduct heat or electricity and can be formed into sheets etc. columbium - a former name for niobium |
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