What does zirconium mean?
Zirconium is a chemical element with the symbol Zr and atomic number 40. It is a silvery-white, strong, and corrosion-resistant transition metal. Zirconium is used in various applications, including nuclear reactors, ceramics, and jewelry. It is a strong and corrosion-resistant metal, but it can also be toxic in large quantities. The element is named after the mineral zircon, which is a source of zirconium. Zirconium is a relatively rare element, but it is an important one in many industries. It is also used in the production of zirconium dioxide, which is used in ceramics and other applications.
nounA chemical element with the symbol Zr and atomic number 40, a silvery-white, strong, and corrosion-resistant transition metal.
- A chemical element with the symbol Zr and atomic number 40, a silvery-white, strong, and corrosion-resistant transition metal.
"The zirconium alloy was used in the construction of the nuclear reactor."
"The zirconium alloy was used in the construction of the nuclear reactor."
"The zirconium dioxide was used in the production of ceramics."
The plural form 'zirconiums' is used when referring to multiple elements or compounds containing zirconium.
"The zirconiums were used in the production of ceramics."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of zirconium
The name zirconium comes from the mineral zircon, which is a source of the element. The mineral zircon was named by the Swedish mineralogist Axel Cronstedt in 1789. The element was first isolated by the Swedish chemist Jöns Jacob Berzelius in 1824.
How zirconium is actually used
Zirconium is a chemical element that is used in various applications, including nuclear reactors, ceramics, and jewelry. It is a strong and corrosion-resistant metal, but it can also be toxic in large quantities.