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Neodymium - Dictionary Definition and Overview |
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Neodymium : (noun)
1: a yellow trivalent metallic element of the rare earth group;
occurs in monazite and bastnasite in association with
cerium and lanthanum and praseodymium [syn: Nd, atomic
number 60]
Based on WordNet 2.0
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Neodymium : \Ne`o*dym"i*um\, n. [NL. Dee Neo-, and Didymium.]
(Chem.)
An elementary substance which forms one of the constituents
of didymium. Symbol Nd. Atomic weight 140.8.
Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
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Neodymium : \Ne`o*dym"i*um\, n. [NL. See Neo-, Didymium.]
(Chem.)
A rare metallic element occurring in combination with cerium,
lanthanum, and other rare metals, and forming
amethyst-colored salts. It was separated in 1885 by von
Welsbach from praseodymium, the two having previously been
regarded as a single element (didymium). It is chiefly
trivalent. Symbol Nd; at. wt. 144.3.
Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
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Neodymium : Symbol: Nd
Atomic number: 60
Atomic weight: 144.24
Soft bright silvery metallic element, belongs to the lanthanoids. Seven natural
isotopes, Nd-144 being the only radioactive one with a half-life of 10^10
to 10^15 years. Six artificial radioisotopes have been produced. The
metal is used in glass works to color class a shade of violet-purple and
make it dichroic. One of the more reactive rare-earth metals, quickly reacts
with air. Used in some rare-earth alloys. Neodymium is used to color
the glass used in welder's glasses. Neodymium is also used in very
powerful, permanent magnets (Nd2Fe14B). Discovered by Carl F. Auer von
Welsbach in Austria in 1885 by separating didymium into its elemental
components praseodymium and neodymium. The name comes from the Greek words
"neos didymos" which means "new twin". Neodymium should be considered
highly toxic, however evidence would seem to show that it acts as little
more than a skin and eye irritant. The dust however, presents a fire and
explosion hazard.
Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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