gadolinium
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Definition
Noun: A chemical element (symbol Gd, atomic number 64) that is a ductile, silvery-white, ferromagnetic, and trivalent metallic element belonging to the lanthanide series (rare earth group).
Usage
Gadolinium is used primarily in technical and scientific contexts. * Gadolinium has unusual metallurgic properties. * The contrast agent contains a compound of gadolinium. * Researchers are studying the magnetic applications of gadolinium.
Advanced Usage
- In Medicine: Gadolinium-based compounds are widely used as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to enhance the clarity of the images.
- The patient received a gadolinium injection prior to the MRI scan.
- In Technology: Due to its high magnetic moment, gadolinium is used in manufacturing magnets, electronic components, and data storage devices.
- Gadolinium alloys are critical for certain high-performance magnets.
Variants and Related Words
- Gadolinite (noun): A mineral which is a source of gadolinium and other rare-earth elements.
- Gadolinium-157 (noun): A specific isotope of gadolinium noted for its very high neutron absorption cross-section, making it useful in nuclear reactors.
Synonyms
- Element 64
- Gd (the chemical symbol)
Different Meanings
The word "gadolinium" refers specifically to the chemical element. It does not have other general meanings. Its usage is confined to chemistry, materials science, medicine (radiology), and related technical fields.
Noun
- a ductile silvery-white ductile ferromagnetic trivalent metallic element of the rare earth group