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gallium

(gal′ē əm)

noun

a bluish-white, metallic chemical element, often a supercooled liquid at room temperature, used in semiconductors, LED's, lasers, etc., and as a substitute for mercury in high-temperature thermometers: symbol, Ga; at. no., 31

Origin: ModL: so named (1875) by P. E. Lecoq de Boisbaudran (1838-1912), Fr chemist, after L Gallia, France, and as a pun on his name Lecoq (in L, gallus, a cock) + -ium

See gallium in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun Symbol Ga

A rare metallic element that is liquid near room temperature, expands on solidifying, and is found as a trace element in coal, bauxite, and other minerals. It is used in semiconductor technology and as a component of various low-melting alloys. Atomic number 31; atomic weight 69.72; melting point 29.78°C; boiling point 2,403°C; specific gravity 5.907; valence 2, 3. See Table at element.

Origin:

Origin: From Latin gallus, cock

Origin: , punning translation of surname of Paul Émile Lecoq de Boisbaudran (1838-1912), French chemist and element's discoverer

Origin: : French le, the

Origin: + French coq, rooster

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