scandium

noun

scan·​di·​um ˈskan-dē-əm 

: a silvery-white metallic element found widely especially in association with rare earth elements and used especially in alloys and in high-intensity electric lamps see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of scandium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Interest in rare earths—comprising 15 lanthanides and scandium and yttrium, which are critical for modern technologies, such as artificial intelligence—is rising amid trade disputes between the U.S. and China. —Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025

Specifically, dysprosium, neodymium, scandium and gallium — vital stuff for making powerful magnets, semiconductors, night-vision goggles, hypersonic missiles, and much more. —Christopher Helman, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025

Why China dominates rare earths Rare earths are a group of 17 elements in the middle of the periodic table, including neodymium, cerium and scandium. —Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 10 June 2025

Heavy rare earths such as scandium and hafnium are particularly valued for their applications in clean energy, aerospace, and defense technologies. —Amala Balakrishner, CNBC, 10 June 2025

China placed new restrictions on seven heavy rare earth minerals on April 4, including scandium and yttrium, in retaliation against U.S. tariffs. —Alain Sherter, CBS News, 2 May 2025

Ukraine’s scandium does not appear to have been studied in enough detail to evaluate its commercial potential. —Scott L. Montgomery, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin Scandia, ancient name of southern Scandinavian peninsula

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

scandium

noun

scan·​di·​um ˈskan-dē-əm 

: a silvery white metallic element found together with other rare elements see element

Medical Definition

scandium

noun

scan·​di·​um ˈskan-dē-əm 

: a white trivalent metallic element found in association with rare earth elements

—symbol Sc see Chemical Elements Table