cerium

• POS: Noun
• HYPHEN: ce=ri=um

CIDE DICTIONARY

cerium, n. [Named by Berzelius in 1803 from the asteroid Ceres, then just discovered (1801).].

 A rare metallic element, occurring in the minerals cerite, allanite, monazite, etc. Symbol Ce. Atomic weight 141.5. It resembles iron in color and luster, but is soft, and both malleable and ductile. It tarnishes readily in the air.  [1913 Webster]

OXFORD DICTIONARY

cerium, n. Chem. a silvery metallic element of the lanthanide series occurring naturally in various minerals and used in the manufacture of lighter flints.

Usage

Symb.: Ce.

Etymology

named after the asteroid Ceres, discovered (1801) about the same time as this