tantalum

noun

tan·​ta·​lum ˈtan-tə-ləm 

: a gray-white ductile acid-resisting metallic element found combined in rare minerals (such as tantalite and columbite) and used especially in electronic components see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of tantalum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Central Asia is rich in coveted minerals including uranium, lithium, and tantalum, and holds some of the largest gas reserves in the world. —Tim Ryan, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024

Moving oxygen ions out of the tantalum oxide leaves a small spot of tantalum metal. —David Szondy, New Atlas, 17 Dec. 2024

The top electrodes of the bits are made from tantalum and gold (middle). —Pedram Khalili, IEEE Spectrum, 26 June 2015

That could determine whether HB is able to replicate its business elsewhere—for example, in nearby Democratic Republic of Congo, home to giant reserves of copper, tantalum, and other minerals, and where three-quarters of the world’s cobalt is mined. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin Tantalus; from its inability to absorb acid

First Known Use

1809, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

tantalum

noun

tan·​ta·​lum ˈtant-ᵊl-əm 

: a gray-white metallic element found in rare minerals and used especially in electronic devices see element

Medical Definition

tantalum

noun

tan·​ta·​lum ˈtant-ᵊl-əm 

: a hard ductile gray-white acid-resisting metallic element of the vanadium family found combined in rare minerals and sometimes used in surgical implants and sutures

—symbol Ta see Chemical Elements Table