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strontium

(strän′s̸həm, -s̸hē əm; stränt′ē əm)

noun

a pale-yellow, metallic chemical element, one of the alkaline-earth metals, resembling calcium in properties and found only in combination: strontium compounds burn with a red flame and are used in fireworks: symbol, Sr; at. no., 38: a deadly radioactive isotope () is present in the fallout of nuclear explosions

Origin: ModL: so named (1808) by Sir Humphry Davy, who first isolated it < strontia + -ium

See strontium in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun Symbol Sr

A soft, silvery, easily oxidized metallic element that ignites spontaneously in air when finely divided. Strontium is used in pyrotechnic compounds and various alloys. Atomic number 38; atomic weight 87.62; melting point 769°C; boiling point 1,384°C; specific gravity 2.54; valence 2. See Table at element.

Origin:

Origin: From New Latin strontia, strontium oxide

Origin: , from English strontian; see strontianite

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