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

Today, billions of dollars in gold, tin, and tantalum are smuggled out to Congo’s neighbors every year. —Jason K. Stearns, TIME, 19 Mar. 2025

Neighboring Angola caught many by surprise this week by saying Congo and M23 would sit down for direct talks in its capital on March 18, at a time when the rebels are still seizing territory rich with coltan, tantalum and other minerals. —Reuters, NBC News, 14 Mar. 2025

Other critical minerals are associated with these deposits, especially zirconium, tantalum and niobium, in undetermined but potentially significant amounts. —Scott L. Montgomery, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2025

An optional matching tantalum bracelet is available, created in collaboration with the Alternative Horological Alliance and manufactured by J.N Shapiro. —Bhanu Chopra, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025

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