zirconium

noun

zir·​co·​ni·​um ˌzər-ˈkō-nē-əm 

: a steel-gray hard ductile metallic element with a high melting point that occurs widely in combined form (as in zircon), is highly resistant to corrosion, and is used especially in alloys and in refractories and ceramics see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of zirconium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This example on offer from A Collected Man features a black dial and a zirconium case, and is the most sober configuration built by MB&F. —Blake Buettner, Robb Report, 11 Oct. 2024

The 20% aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex for sweat and odor protection is also key to stopping sweat at the source. —Sarah Madaus, Allure, 4 Oct. 2024

The investigators examined the X-ray spectra of zirconium minerals and found, in addition to the characteristic lines of the element, lines of another, unknown element in the position where the lines of No. 72 should be. —Mark Fischetti, Scientific American, 1 Feb. 2024

In the accident, a zirconium plate in the reactor vessel became loose and blocked the sodium coolant, causing a small amount of fuel to melt. —Kylie Martin, Detroit Free Press, 28 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from International Scientific Vocabulary zircon

First Known Use

1808, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing zirconium

• cubic zirconium

Kids Definition

zirconium

noun

zir·​co·​ni·​um ˌzər-ˈkō-nē-əm 

: a steel-gray strong metallic element with a high melting point that is used especially in combination with other metals see element

Medical Definition

zirconium

noun

zir·​co·​ni·​um (ˌ)zər-ˈkō-nē-əm 

: a steel-gray strong ductile chiefly tetravalent metallic element with a high melting point

—symbol Zr see Chemical Elements Table