noun

iridium

ih-RIHD-ee-uhm

Iridium (noun) means a hard, brittle, silvery-white metallic element (atomic number 77) in the platinum group, the most corrosion-resistant metal known. Example: “Iridium is so dense and unreactive that it is used to make the tips of high-end fountain pens.”

noun

A hard, brittle, silvery-white metallic element (atomic number 77) in the platinum group, the most corrosion-resistant metal known.

"Iridium is so dense and unreactive that it is used to make the tips of high-end fountain pens."

"A thin layer of iridium found in rock worldwide is one of the key clues linking an asteroid impact to the extinction of the dinosaurs."

A single atom of this element.

"The compound contains one iridium atom bonded to several carbon monoxide molecules."

How to use iridium

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishOne of the toughest, most corrosion-proof metals on the periodic table, often paired with platinum.

Common pairings

iridium alloy iridium layer iridium-tipped

Word forms

iridiums plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “iridium” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ is so dense and unreactive that it is used to make the tips of high-end fountain pens.

Etymology

Named from Latin iris ("rainbow"), because many of its salts and compounds show a striking range of colours.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

View more →

Ir atomic number 77

Rhymes for iridium

opium sodium helium barium radium medium atrium podium Valium Belgium lithium calcium

See all rhymes for iridium →

Frequently asked questions

What does “iridium” mean?

The word “iridium” means a hard, brittle, silvery-white metallic element (atomic number 77) in the platinum group, the most corrosion-resistant metal known. In plain terms, one of the toughest, most corrosion-proof metals on the periodic table, often paired with platinum.

How do you pronounce “iridium”?

“Iridium” is pronounced ih-RIHD-ee-uhm (/ɪˈɹɪd.i.əm/ in IPA).

How do you use “iridium” in a sentence?

Here is “iridium” used in a sentence: “Iridium is so dense and unreactive that it is used to make the tips of high-end fountain pens.”

What part of speech is “iridium”?

“Iridium” is a noun.

Where does the word “iridium” come from?

The word “iridium” comes from Latin. Named from Latin iris ("rainbow"), because many of its salts and compounds show a striking range of colours.

How many meanings does “iridium” have?

“Iridium” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a hard, brittle, silvery-white metallic element (atomic number 77) in the platinum group, the most corrosion-resistant metal known.