iridium
/ai'ridiəm/
Definition
- Noun:
- A heavy brittle metallic element of the platinum group: Iridium is a chemical element (symbol Ir, atomic number 77) known for its high density, hardness, and brittleness. It is a silvery-white metal.
- Used in alloys: Iridium is primarily utilized in the creation of hard, high-strength alloys that can withstand extreme temperatures and corrosion.
- Occurs in natural alloys with platinum or osmium: In nature, iridium is most commonly found alloyed with other platinum-group metals, especially in platinum ores and in a natural alloy with osmium known as osmiridium.
Usage
- Iridium is a technical/scientific term used primarily in the fields of chemistry, metallurgy, geology, and certain high-technology industries (e.g., spark plugs, scientific equipment).
- It is a countable noun when referring to the element as a substance (e.g., "a sample of iridium") and an uncountable noun when referring to it as a material.
Examples
- Noun:
- The pen tip is made from an alloy containing iridium for durability.
- Scientists study the layer of iridium in the geologic record, which is linked to the asteroid impact that caused the dinosaurs' extinction.
- This catalyst uses a small amount of iridium.
Advanced Usage
- "Iridium anomaly": In geology and paleontology, this refers to a concentration of iridium in a specific layer of sedimentary rock, most famously the Cretaceous–Paleogene (K–Pg) boundary layer, providing evidence for a massive asteroid impact.
- "Iridium spark plug": A type of high-performance spark plug that uses a fine iridium tip on its center electrode for longevity and efficiency.
Variants and Related Words
- Iridic (adj): Of or containing iridium, especially in a tetravalent state.
- Iridic compounds are studied in inorganic chemistry.
- Iridiosmium (n): A rare, natural alloy of iridium and osmium; synonymous with osmiridium.
Synonyms
- Element 77: Referring to its atomic number.
- Platinum-group metal (PGM): A categorical synonym, as iridium is one of the six platinum-group metals.
Related Phrases/Compounds
- Iridium satellite constellation: A specific network of communications satellites.
- Iridium dioxide (IrO₂): A chemical compound of iridium used as an anode coating in industrial electrolysis.
Noun
-
a heavy brittle metallic element of the platinum group; used in alloys; occurs in natural alloys with platinum or osmium
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