noun

tantalum

TAN-tuh-lum

Quiz me More like this

Tantalum (noun) means a rare, hard, blue-grey metallic element with the symbol Ta and atomic number 73, which resists corrosion very well. Example: “Tantalum is a metal that hardly corrodes, so it is used where surfaces meet harsh chemicals.”

noun

A rare, hard, blue-grey metallic element with the symbol Ta and atomic number 73, which resists corrosion very well.

"Tantalum is a metal that hardly corrodes, so it is used where surfaces meet harsh chemicals."

"The chemist held a small sample of tantalum and remarked on its bluish sheen."

"Tantalum has the atomic number 73 on the periodic table."

How to use tantalum

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTantalum is a rare, hard, corrosion-resistant blue-grey metal.

When to use it

Tantalum is a scientific term, used mainly in chemistry and materials contexts.

Memory tip

Stress the first syllable, so it sounds like TAN-tuh-lum, and remember the symbol is Ta.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

titanium → tungsten → niobium →

Common pairings

tantalum metal tantalum capacitor tantalum and niobium

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like tantalum.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

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 “tantalum” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ is a metal that hardly corrodes, so it is used where surfaces meet harsh chemicals.

Etymology

The word was formed in New Latin by the Swedish chemist Anders Gustaf Ekeberg in 1802. It comes from Latin Tantalus, the name of a figure from myth, alluding to the metal's inability to absorb acid, with the chemical ending -ium.

Origin: New Latin

Synonyms

View more →

Related words

thanks reserve cheers TA thank you gramercy

Rhymes for tantalum

alum Calum

See all rhymes for tantalum →

Frequently asked questions

What is tantalum?

Tantalum is a chemical element with the symbol Ta and atomic number 73. It is a rare, hard, blue-grey, lustrous metal.

What is the chemical symbol for tantalum?

The chemical symbol for tantalum is Ta, and its atomic number is 73.

Where does the word tantalum come from?

Anders Gustaf Ekeberg, a Swedish chemist, coined the name in 1802 from Latin Tantalus. It alludes to the metal's inability to absorb acid.

What is the meaning of tantalum?

"tantalum" (noun) means a rare, hard, blue-grey metallic element with the symbol Ta and atomic number 73, which resists corrosion very well.

People also searched

thanks reserve cheers TA thank you gramercy