transition element

transition element

n.

Any of the metallic elements within Groups 3 to 12 in the Periodic Table that have an incomplete inner electron shell and that serve as transitional links between the most and the least electropositive in a series of elements. They are characterized by multiple valences, colored compounds, and the ability to form stable complex ions. Also called transition metal.

---

transition element, metal

n

(Chemistry / Elements & Compounds) Chem any element belonging to one of three series of elements with atomic numbers between 21 and 30, 39 and 48, and 57 and 80. They have an incomplete penultimate electron shell and tend to exhibit more than one valency and to form complexes

---

transition element  (trn-zshn)

Any of the metallic elements within Groups 3 through 12 in the Periodic Table. All the transition metals have two electrons in their outermost shell, and all but zinc, cadmium, and mercury have an incompletely filled inner shell (just inside the outermost shell). Transition elements form alloys easily, have high melting points, and have more than one valence because of their incomplete inner shells. See Periodic Table. See Note at metal.

Translations

transition element

n (Chem) → Übergangselement nt