'niobium' definitions:

Definition of 'niobium'

From: WordNet
noun
A soft grey ductile metallic element used in alloys; occurs in niobite; formerly called columbium [syn: niobium, Nb, atomic number 41]

Definition of 'niobium'

From: GCIDE
  • niobium \ni*o"bi*um\, n. [NL., fr. L. & E. Niobe.] (Chem.) The chemical element of atomic number 41. Chemical symbol Nb. Atomic weight 92.91. Previously called columbium. See also Columbium. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'niobium'

From: GCIDE
  • Columbium \Co*lum"bi*um\, n. [NL., fr. Columbia America.] (Chem.) A rare element of the vanadium group, first found in a variety of the mineral columbite occurring in Connecticut, probably at Haddam. Atomic weight 94.2. Symbol Cb or Nb. Now more commonly called niobium. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'niobium'

From: Elements
  • Symbol: Nb
  • Atomic number: 41
  • Atomic weight: 92.906
  • Soft, ductile grey-blue metallic transition element. Used in special steels and in welded joints to increase strength. Combines with halogens and oxidizes in air at 200 degrees celsius. Discovered by Charles Hatchett in 1801 and isolated by Blomstrand in 1864. Called columbium originally.