strontium

noun

stron·​tium ˈsträn(t)-sh(ē-)əm  ˈsträn-tē-əm 

: a soft malleable ductile metallic element of the alkaline-earth group occurring only in combination and used especially in color TV tubes, in crimson fireworks, and in the production of some ferrites see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of strontium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While strontium aluminate can readily decompose in plants, posing harm to plant tissue, Liu said, the scientists developed a chemical coating for the material that acts as a protective barrier. —Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2025

The crystal is actually a metal oxide comprising strontium, iron, and cobalt. —Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 18 Aug. 2025

In order to create colorful fireworks, the explosives may contain metals such as copper, potassium, strontium, barium, magnesium or aluminum, according to previous Bee reporting. —Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 11 Aug. 2025

Eight samples were selected for additional radiocarbon dating, with at least one bone taken from each stratigraphic level, and another five bones underwent strontium isotope testing. —ArsTechnica, 7 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from strontia strontium oxide, from obsolete English strontian, from Strontian, village in Scotland

First Known Use

1808, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

strontium

noun

stron·​tium ˈsträn-ch(ē-)əm 

ˈstränt-ē-əm

: a soft metallic element that can be hammered and shaped, occurs only in combination, and is used in color TV picture tubes and red fireworks see element

Medical Definition

strontium

noun

stron·​tium ˈsträn-ch(ē-)əm  ˈstränt-ē-əm 

: a soft malleable ductile bivalent metallic element of the alkaline-earth group occurring only in combination

—symbol Sr see Chemical Elements Table