'Zirconium' definitions:
Definition of 'zirconium'
(from WordNet)
noun
A lustrous grey strong metallic element resembling titanium; it is used in nuclear reactors as a neutron absorber; it occurs in baddeleyite but is obtained chiefly from zircon [syn: zirconium, Zr, atomic number 40]
Definition of 'Zirconium'
From: GCIDE
- Zirconium \Zir*co"ni*um\, n. [NL.] (Chem.) A rare element of the carbon-silicon group, intermediate between the metals and nonmetals, obtained from the mineral zircon as a dark sooty powder, or as a gray metallic crystalline substance. Symbol Zr. Atomic weight, 90.4. [1913 Webster]
Definition of 'zirconium'
From: Elements
- Symbol: Zr
- Atomic number: 40
- Atomic weight: 91.22
- Grey-white metallic transition element. Five natural isotopes and six radioactive isotopes are known. Used in nuclear reactors for a neutron absorber. Discovered in 1789 by Martin Klaproth, isolated in 1824 by Berzelius.