a gray or white, metallic chemical element, somewhat ductile and malleable, used in alloy steels, superconducting alloys, in jet engines and rockets, etc.: symbol, Nb; at. no., 41
See niobium in American Heritage Dictionary 4
(nī-ōˈbē-əm)
noun Symbol Nb
A silvery, soft, ductile metallic element that occurs chiefly in columbite-tantalite and is used in steel alloys, arc welding, and superconductivity research. Atomic number 41; atomic weight 92.906; melting point 2,468°C; boiling point 4,927°C; specific gravity 8.57; valence 2, 3, 5. See Table at element.