sa·mar·i·um (s -mâr  -m, -m r-)n. Symbol Sm A silvery or pale gray metallic rare-earth element found in monazite and bastnaesite and used as a dopant for laser materials, in infrared absorbing glass, and as a neutron absorber in certain nuclear reactors. Atomic number 62; atomic weight 150.36; melting point 1,072°C; boiling point 1,791°C; specific gravity (approximately) 7.50; valence 2, 3. See Table at element. [samar(skite) + -ium.] |
samarium [səˈmɛərɪəm]
n
(Chemistry / Elements & Compounds) a silvery metallic element of the lanthanide series occurring chiefly in monazite and bastnaesite and used in carbon-arc lighting, as a doping agent in laser crystals, and as a neutron-absorber. Symbol: Sm; atomic no.: 62; atomic wt.: 150.36; valency: 2 or 3; relative density: 7.520; melting pt.: 1074°C; boiling pt.: 1794°C
[New Latin, from samarskite + -ium]
| samarium (s-mâr-m) Symbol Sm A silvery-white metallic element of the lanthanide series that exists in several forms and has seven naturally occurring isotopes. It is used to make glass that absorbs infrared light and to absorb neutrons in the fuel rods of nuclear reactors. Atomic number 62; atomic weight 150.36; melting point 1,072°C; boiling point 1,791°C; specific gravity approximately 7.50; valence 2, 3. See Periodic Table. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  samarium - a grey lustrous metallic element of the rare earth group; is used in special alloys; occurs in monazite and bastnasitemetal, 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 monazite - a reddish-brown mineral containing rare earth metals; an important source of thorium and cerium |
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