ZIRCONIUM

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does zirconium mean? 

• ZIRCONIUM (noun)
  The noun ZIRCONIUM has 1 sense:

1. a lustrous grey strong metallic element resembling titanium; it is used in nuclear reactors as a neutron absorber; it occurs in baddeleyite but is obtained chiefly from zircon

  Familiarity information: ZIRCONIUM used as a noun is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• ZIRCONIUM (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A lustrous grey strong metallic element resembling titanium; it is used in nuclear reactors as a neutron absorber; it occurs in baddeleyite but is obtained chiefly from zircon

Classified under:

Nouns denoting substances

Synonyms:

atomic number 40; zirconium; Zr

Hypernyms ("zirconium" is a kind of...):

metal; metallic element (any of several chemical elements that are usually shiny solids that conduct heat or electricity and can be formed into sheets etc.)

Holonyms ("zirconium" is a substance of...):

baddeleyite (a mineral consisting of zirconium oxide)

zircon; zirconium silicate (a common mineral occurring in small crystals; chief source of zirconium; used as a refractory when opaque and as a gem when transparent)

 Context examples 

The MOF we chose is made of a zirconium based metal node and we've done a lot of studies that show zirconium is quite inert and it doesn't cause any toxicity issues.

(Nanoparticles used to transport anti-cancer agent to cells, University of Cambridge)