tantalum

tan·ta·lum  (tnt-lm)

n. Symbol Ta

A very hard, heavy, gray metallic element that is exceptionally resistant to chemical attack below 150°C. It is used to make light-bulb filaments, electrolytic capacitors, lightning arresters, nuclear reactor parts, and some surgical instruments. Atomic number 73; atomic weight 180.948; melting point 2,996°C; boiling point 5,425°C; specific gravity 16.6; valence 2, 3, 4, 5. See Table at element.

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[New Latin, from Latin Tantalus, Tantalus (from its high resistance to absorbing acids even when immersed in them); see Tantalus.]

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tantalum [ˈtæntələm]

n

(Chemistry / Elements & Compounds) a hard greyish-white metallic element that occurs with niobium in tantalite and columbite: used in electrical capacitors in most circuit boards and in alloys to increase hardness and chemical resistance, esp in surgical instruments. Symbol: Ta; atomic no.: 73; atomic wt.: 180.9479; valency: 2, 3, 4, or 5; relative density: 16.654; melting pt.: 3020°C; boiling pt.: 5458±100°C

[named after Tantalus, with reference to the metal's incapacity to absorb acids]

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tantalum  (tnt-lm)

Symbol Ta

A hard, heavy, gray metallic element that is highly resistant to corrosion at low temperatures. It is used to make light-bulb filaments, surgical instruments, and glass for camera lenses. Atomic number 73; atomic weight 180.948; melting point 2,996°C; boiling point 5,425°C; specific gravity 16.6; valence 2, 3, 4, 5. See Periodic Table.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

tantalum - a hard grey lustrous metallic element that is highly resistant to corrosion; occurs in niobite and fergusonite and tantalite atomic number 73, Ta 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. fergusonite - a dark mineral consisting of oxides of yttrium and erbium and tantalum and other minerals columbite, niobite - a black mineral that is an ore of niobium and tantalum tantalite - a mineral consisting of tantalum oxide of iron and manganese that occurs with niobite or in coarse granite; an ore of tantalum