noun
zirconium
zur-KOH-nee-um
Zirconium (noun) means a lustrous grey-white metallic element with the symbol Zr and atomic number 40. Example: “Zirconium is one of the transition metals in the periodic table.”
noun
1
A lustrous grey-white metallic element with the symbol Zr and atomic number 40.
"Zirconium is one of the transition metals in the periodic table."
"The chemistry teacher held up a sample of zirconium and pointed out its grey-white shine."
"Zr is the chemical symbol for zirconium."
How to use zirconium
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA strong, shiny, grey-white metal with the symbol Zr.
When to use it
It is a technical word used mainly in chemistry, materials science and geology.
Memory tip
Do not confuse zirconium, the metal, with zircon, the mineral from which its name is taken.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
zircon
zirconia
Common pairings
zirconium metal
zirconium alloy
zirconium oxide
a sample of zirconium
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_____ is one of the transition metals in the periodic table.
Etymology
The word is a New Latin coinage formed from zircon, the name of the mineral. It is a doublet of jargonium.
Rhymes for zirconium
See all rhymes for zirconium →Frequently asked questions
What is zirconium?
Zirconium is a chemical element with the symbol Zr. It is a tough, shiny, grey-white metal from the transition group.
What is the atomic number of zirconium?
The atomic number of zirconium is 40.
How do you pronounce zirconium?
It is pronounced zur-KOH-nee-um, with the stress on the second syllable.
What is the meaning of zirconium?
"zirconium" (noun) means a lustrous grey-white metallic element with the symbol Zr and atomic number 40.
