noun

terbium

TUR-bee-um

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Terbium (noun) means a soft, silvery-white rare earth metal with the symbol Tb and atomic number 65, which can be hammered and drawn out easily. Example: “Terbium has the atomic number 65.”

noun

technical A soft, silvery-white rare earth metal with the symbol Tb and atomic number 65, which can be hammered and drawn out easily.

"Terbium has the atomic number 65."

"The symbol for terbium is Tb."

"Terbium is a rare earth metal."

How to use terbium

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTerbium is a soft, silvery-white rare earth metal with atomic number 65.

When to use it

It is a technical term used in chemistry and physics.

Memory tip

Terbium, erbium, ytterbium and yttrium all take their names from Ytterby, so check the spelling and the symbol Tb.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

erbium → ytterbium →

Common pairings

the element terbium terbium atom rare earth metal terbium atomic number of terbium

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

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ has the atomic number 65.

Etymology

The word comes from Ytterby, a place in Sweden, with the ending -ium used for chemical elements. It is a doublet of erbium, ytterbium and yttrium, which share the same source.

Origin: New Latin

Rhymes for terbium

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

See all rhymes for terbium →

Frequently asked questions

What is the atomic number of terbium?

Terbium has the atomic number 65 and the symbol Tb.

Is terbium a metal?

Yes. It is a soft, silvery-white rare earth metal that is malleable and ductile.

Where does the name terbium come from?

It is named after Ytterby, a place in Sweden.

What is the meaning of terbium?

"terbium" (noun) means a soft, silvery-white rare earth metal with the symbol Tb and atomic number 65, which can be hammered and drawn out easily.