Iridium - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Iridium is a rare, hard, silvery-white metal in the platinum family. It is highly resistant to corrosion and used in scientific instruments, spark plugs, and electrical contacts.
Definition:
A hard, brittle, silvery-white transition metal of the platinum group, highly resistant to corrosion.
Synonyms:
metallic element, transition metal, platinum group metal
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
(No direct antonyms for elements)
Common Collocations:
iridium alloy, iridium coating, iridium spark plug
Derivatives:
iridiate, iridic
Usage Tips:
Use "iridium" when referring to the chemical element (Ir) or its properties in scientific contexts.
Common Phrases:
(No common phrases or idioms for "iridium")
Etymology:
From Latin "iris" (rainbow), due to its colorful compounds.
Examples:
- 1. Iridium is used in high-temperature alloys.
- 2. The meteorite contained traces of iridium.
- 3. Iridium spark plugs last longer than standard ones.
- 4. Scientists study iridium for its corrosion resistance.