niobium

noun

ni·​o·​bi·​um nī-ˈō-bē-əm How to pronounce niobium (audio)
: a lustrous light gray ductile metallic element that resembles tantalum chemically and is used in alloys see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of niobium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Other critical minerals are associated with these deposits, especially zirconium, tantalum and niobium, in undetermined but potentially significant amounts. — Scott L. Montgomery, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2025 Zoom out: Ukraine, according to its national Geological Survey, has largely untapped reserves of minerals like tantalum, beryllium and niobium. — Ben Berkowitz, Axios, 20 Feb. 2025 These materials include the rare earth metals graphite, niobium, platinum group metals, molybdenum, tantalum and titanium. — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 17 Jan. 2025 Greenland has substantial reserves of metals like lithium, niobium, and zirconium, which are used for producing batteries, as well as rare earth elements that are considered vital for the green energy transition, but which China currently enjoys a near monopoly over. — Joshua Keating, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018 See All Example Sentences for niobium

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin Niobe; from its occurrence in tantalite

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of niobium was in 1845

Rhymes for niobium

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Browse Nearby Words

niobite
niobium
niobium pentoxide
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Niobium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/niobium. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

niobium

noun
ni·​o·​bi·​um nī-ˈō-bē-əm How to pronounce niobium (audio)
: a shiny gray metallic element used in alloys see element

Medical Definition

niobium

noun
ni·​o·​bi·​um nī-ˈō-bē-əm How to pronounce niobium (audio)
: a lustrous light gray ductile metallic element that resembles tantalum chemically and is used in alloys
—symbol Nb

called also columbium

see Chemical Elements Table

More from Merriam-Webster on niobium

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about niobium

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