Erbium

3 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Erbium \Er"bi*um\, n. [NL. from Ytterby, in Sweden, where
     gadolinite is found. Cf. {Terbium}, {Yttrium}, {Ytterbium}.]
     (Chem.)
     A rare earth element of the lanthanide series associated with
     several other rare elements in the mineral gadolinite from
     Ytterby in Sweden. Symbol Er. It has atomic number 68 and an


     atomic weight of 167.26. The pure element is metallic with a
     bright, silvery luster. It is relatively stable in air, not
     oxidizing as quickly as some other rare earths. Its salts are
     rose-colored and give characteristic spectra, and the pink
     oxide has been added as a colorant in glass and porcelain
     enamel glazes. Its sesquioxide {Er2O3} is called erbia.
     --HCP61
     [1913 Webster +PJC]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  erbium
       n : a trivalent metallic element of the rare earth group; occurs
           with yttrium [syn: {Er}, {atomic number 68}]

From Elements database 20001107 [elements]:

  erbium
  Symbol: Er
  Atomic number: 68
  Atomic weight: 167.26
  Soft silvery metallic element which belongs to the lanthanoids. Six
  natural isotopes that are stable. Twelve artificial isotopes are known.
  Used in nuclear technology as a neutron absorber. It is being investigated
  for other possible uses. Discovered by Carl G. Mosander in 1843.