tantalum

• POS: Noun
• HYPHEN: tan=ta=lum

CIDE DICTIONARY

tantalum, n. [NL. So named on account of the perplexity and difficulty encounterd by its discoverer (Ekeberg) in isolating it. See Tantalus.].

 A rare nonmetallic element found in certain minerals, as tantalite, samarskite, and fergusonite, and isolated as a dark powder which becomes steel-gray by burnishing. Symbol Ta. Atomic weight 182.0. Formerly called also tantalium.  [1913 Webster]

OXFORD DICTIONARY

tantalum, n. Chem. a rare hard white metallic element occurring naturally in tantalite, resistant to heat and the action of acids, and used in surgery and for electronic components.

Usage

Symb.: Ta.

Derivative

tantalic adj.

Etymology

formed as TANTALUS with ref. to its non-absorbent quality