zirconium

A lustrous, grayish-white, strong, ductile metallic element obtained primarily from zircon and used in nuclear reactors because of its high resistance to corrosion, used in ceramic and refractory compounds, and alloyed with niobium, zinc, and other metals. Atomic number 40; atomic weight 91.22; melting point 1,855°C; boiling point 4,409°C; specific gravity 6.52 (at 20°C); valence 2, 3, 4. cross-reference: Periodic Table.

Chemical symbol, Zr; atomic weight, 89.6. The metal contained in zirconia.

A rare element of the carbon-silicon group, intermediate between the metals and nonmetals, obtained from the mineral zircon as a dark sooty powder, or as a gray metallic crystalline substance. Symbol Zr. Atomic weight, 90.4.

a metallic chemical element (symbol Zr) with an atomic number of 40.

a lustrous grey strong metallic element resembling titanium; it is used in nuclear reactors as a neutron absorber; it occurs in baddeleyite but is obtained chiefly from zircon