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erbium Definition

er·bium (ʉr′bē əm)

noun

a trivalent chemical element, one of the rare-earth elements: symbol, Er; at. no., 68

Etymology: ModL: so named (1843) by K. G. Mosander (1797-1858), Swed chemist, after Ytterby, village in Sweden where the rare-earth minerals were first found + -ium

erbium (Er) Telecom Definition

A soft, malleable, silvery rare-earth element used in various alloys. Erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs) are used extensively in long haul fiber optic transmission systems (FOTS). Erbium is number 68 in the Periodic Table of Elements. Erbium is named for the village of Ytterby, Sweden, where it was discovered. So were ytterbium, yttrium, and terbium. See also EDFA, FOTS, and Ytterby.

erbium Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

laser: The carbon dioxide laser tended to be slightly more effective but this could be counteracted by treating more intensively with the Erbium laser.