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
1
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."
2
A single atom of this element.
"The compound contains one iridium atom bonded to several carbon monoxide molecules."
How to use iridium
Learner’s notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- iridiums
Fill the gap
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_____ 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.
Synonyms
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Ir
atomic number 77
Rhymes for iridium
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.
