Meaning & use

zirconium

noun·Advanced

Last updated

A hard, corrosion-resistant metallic chemical element, symbol Zr, used in nuclear reactors, ceramics, and alloys.

See it in a sentence

Zirconium's resistance to corrosion makes it valuable in nuclear reactor components.

The alloy combined zirconium with small amounts of tin for added strength.

A note on using this word

Often confused with 'zircon,' a naturally occurring gemstone, and 'cubic zirconia,' a synthetic diamond substitute; the three are related but distinct.

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