a rare, malleable, ductile, silver-white, metallic chemical element: it is alloyed with steel, to which it adds tensile strength, and is used in nuclear applications, etc.: symbol, V; at. no., 23
See vanadium in American Heritage Dictionary 4
(və-nāˈdē-əm)
noun Symbol V
A bright white, soft, ductile metallic element found in several minerals, notably vanadinite and carnotite, having good structural strength and used in rust-resistant high-speed tools, as a carbon stabilizer in some steels, as a titanium-steel bonding agent, and as a catalyst. Atomic number 23; atomic weight 50.942; melting point 1,890°C; boiling point 3,000°C; specific gravity 6.11; valence 2, 3, 4, 5. See Table at element.