'Tantalum' definitions:
Definition of 'tantalum'
(from WordNet)
noun
A hard grey lustrous metallic element that is highly resistant to corrosion; occurs in niobite and fergusonite and tantalite [syn: tantalum, Ta, atomic number 73]
Definition of 'Tantalum'
From: GCIDE
- Tantalum \Tan"ta*lum\, n. [NL. So named on account of the perplexity and difficulty encounterd by its discoverer (Ekeberg) in isolating it. See Tantalus.] (Chem.) 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]
Definition of 'tantalum'
From: Elements
- Symbol: Ta
- Atomic number: 73
- Atomic weight: 180.948
- Heavy blue-grey metallic transition element. Ta-181 is a stable isotope, and Ta-180 is a radioactive isotope, with a half-life in excess of 10^7 years. Used in surgery as it is unreactive. Forms a passive oxide layer in air. Identified in 1802 by Ekeberg and isolated in 1820 by Jons J. Berzelius.