Word Study
strontium
CIDE DICTIONARY
strontium, n. [NL. See Strontia.].
A metallic element of the calcium group, always naturally occurring combined, as in the minerals strontianite, celestite, etc. It is isolated as a yellowish metal, somewhat malleable but harder than calcium. It is chiefly employed (as in the nitrate) to color pyrotechnic flames red. Symbol Sr. Atomic weight 87.3. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
strontium, n. Chem. a soft silver-white metallic element occurring naturally in various minerals.
Idiom
strontium-90 a radioactive isotope of strontium concentrated selectively in bones and teeth when taken into the body. strontium oxide a white compound used in the manufacture of fireworks.
Usage
Symb.: Sr.
Etymology
STRONTIA + -IUM
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