scandium

noun

scan·​di·​um ˈskan-dē-əm How to pronounce scandium (audio)
: a silvery-white metallic element found widely especially in association with rare earth elements and used especially in alloys and in high-intensity electric lamps see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of scandium 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.
Critical minerals that aren’t being mined – yet Geologists have identified potentially significant volumes in Ukraine of three other types of critical minerals important for energy, military and other uses: lithium, rare earth metals and scandium. — Scott L. Montgomery, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2025 For example, scandium, which is often used in military applications, is priced at over $270 for a single gram. — Jeffrey Weng, National Review, 20 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin Scandia, ancient name of southern Scandinavian peninsula

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scandium was in 1879

Browse Nearby Words

Scandinavian
scandium
Scandix
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scandium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scandium. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

scandium

noun
scan·​di·​um ˈskan-dē-əm How to pronounce scandium (audio)
: a silvery white metallic element found together with other rare elements see element

Medical Definition

scandium

noun
scan·​di·​um ˈskan-dē-əm How to pronounce scandium (audio)
: a white trivalent metallic element found in association with rare earth elements
—symbol Sc see Chemical Elements Table

More from Merriam-Webster on scandium

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about scandium

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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