zirconium meaning

Definition of zirconium

1. a lustrous grey strong metallic element resembling titanium; it is used in nuclear reactors as a neutron absorber; it occurs in baddeleyite but is obtained chiefly from zircon

   Synonyms: Zr, atomic number 40

   Type of: metallic element

zirconium in a sentence

• When heated, zirconium can burn with an intense white flame.
• The mineral zircon is the most important natural source of zirconium.
• The ring was advertised as being made of zirconium, which is both durable and lightweight.
• Zirconium alloys are often used in nuclear reactors because they resist corrosion in hot water.

How to pronounce zirconium

zirconium is pronounced /zɚˈkoʊniəm/ in American English. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.

Words that rhyme with zirconium

• ammonium
• polonium
• harmonium
• plutonium
• pandemonium