scandium
Scandium (noun) means a metallic chemical element with the symbol Sc and atomic number 21, which is classed as a transition element. Example: “Scandium has the atomic number 21 and the symbol Sc.”
How to use scandium
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishScandium is a metal, element number 21 on the periodic table.
It is a technical term, used mainly in chemistry and science writing.
Scandium is uncountable and its symbol is Sc, so you say scandium is a metal rather than a scandium.
Trace the full origin ↓Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ has the atomic number 21 and the symbol Sc.
Etymology
The word was borrowed into English from New Latin, where the form scandium was used as the name of the element.