antimony

noun

an·​ti·​mo·​ny ˈan-tə-ˌmō-nē 

1

: stibnite

2

: a trivalent and pentavalent metalloid element with atomic number 51 that commonly occurs in a brittle, metallic, silvery white crystalline form and that is used especially in alloys, semiconductors, and flame-retardant substances see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of antimony in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In December, China’s restrictions on the export of antimony, along with some other critical minerals, were switched to an outright ban on its export to the United States. —Jeffrey Weng, National Review, 20 Dec. 2024

China was the world's leading producer of gallium, germanium and antimony in 2023. —Carlie Procell, USA TODAY, 5 Dec. 2024

In retaliation, China announced a ban on key materials such as antimony, germanium, and gallium—essential to sectors including defense, space, green energy, and manufacturing—highlighting its leverage in global high-tech inputs. —Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024

The effect of the August restrictions and December ban has been significant: Since August 12, two days before the antimony restrictions, the price of antimony has shot up by over 69 percent. —Jeffrey Weng, National Review, 20 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English antimonie, from Medieval Latin antimonium

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

antimony

noun

an·​ti·​mo·​ny ˈant-ə-ˌmō-nē 

: a metallic silvery white element that is used especially in alloys and medicine see element

Medical Definition

antimony

noun

an·​ti·​mo·​ny ˈant-ə-ˌmō-nē 

plural antimonies

: a trivalent and pentavalent metalloid element that is commonly metallic silvery white, crystalline, and brittle and is used especially in alloys and semiconductors and in medicine as a constituent of various antiprotozoal agents (as tartar emetic)

—symbol Sb see Chemical Elements Table