noun

niobium

ny-OH-bee-um

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Niobium (noun) means a light grey, ductile metallic element with the symbol Nb and atomic number 41, used in superconducting materials. Example: “Niobium is used in some superconducting materials.”

noun

A light grey, ductile metallic element with the symbol Nb and atomic number 41, used in superconducting materials.

"Niobium is used in some superconducting materials."

"The symbol for niobium is Nb."

"Niobium is a transition metal."

How to use niobium

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA grey transition metal, symbol Nb, used in superconductors.

When to use it

It is a technical chemistry term, and the alternative name columbium belongs to metallurgy only.

Memory tip

The stress falls on the second syllable, OH, so it sounds like ny-OH-bee-um.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

niobium alloy niobium atom atomic number 41 element niobium

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ is used in some superconducting materials.

Etymology

The name comes from Niobe plus the suffix -ium. It was chosen because the element behaves much like tantalum, which was named after Niobe's father Tantalus.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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columbium

Rhymes for niobium

curium osmium cerium erbium sodium helium barium radium cadmium caesium fermium gallium

See all rhymes for niobium →

Frequently asked questions

What is niobium used for?

It is used in superconducting materials.

What is the atomic number of niobium?

Niobium has atomic number 41 and the symbol Nb.

Is niobium the same as columbium?

Columbium is a name for the same element used in metallurgy, but it is not used in science.

What is the meaning of niobium?

"niobium" (noun) means a light grey, ductile metallic element with the symbol Nb and atomic number 41, used in superconducting materials.