niobium

noun

ni·​o·​bi·​um nī-ˈō-bē-əm How to pronounce niobium (audio)
: a lustrous light gray ductile metallic element that resembles tantalum chemically and is used in alloys see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of niobium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Velasquez, a geological researcher at the Universidad de Chile explains that his research aims to understand how niobium is transported on a geological scale and how it is deposited in the Earth's crust, which is key to knowing where to look for it now. Andrew Wight, Forbes, 12 Sep. 2024 New alloys More recent introductions are alloys such as those using titanium and particularly niobium, which increase strength by stabilizing a metal’s microstructure. John Johnson Jr., Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Aug. 2024 Rwanda also earns sizable sums exporting tin, tantalum, and niobium—much of it also mined in Congo, according to a UN expert group and Global Witness. Jason K. Stearns, Foreign Affairs, 26 July 2024 The ore contains the rare transition metal niobium, which is used in steel production and becomes a superconductor when cooled to low temperatures. Lori Youmshajekian, Scientific American, 1 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for niobium 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'niobium.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin Niobe; from its occurrence in tantalite

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of niobium was in 1845

Dictionary Entries Near niobium

Cite this Entry

“Niobium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/niobium. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

niobium

noun
ni·​o·​bi·​um nī-ˈō-bē-əm How to pronounce niobium (audio)
: a shiny gray metallic element used in alloys see element

Medical Definition

niobium

noun
ni·​o·​bi·​um nī-ˈō-bē-əm How to pronounce niobium (audio)
: a lustrous light gray ductile metallic element that resembles tantalum chemically and is used in alloys
symbol Nb

called also columbium

see Chemical Elements Table

More from Merriam-Webster on niobium

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