Definition

1. Noun:
   • A chemical element: Neodymium is a metallic element with the symbol Nd and atomic number 60. It is part of the lanthanide series, often referred to as rare earth elements.
   • Properties: It is a soft, silvery, malleable, and ductile metal that tarnishes in air. In its pure form, it is a bright, slightly yellowish metal.
   • Occurrence: It is not found free in nature but occurs in minerals such as monazite and bastnäsite, typically alongside other rare earth elements like cerium, lanthanum, and praseodymium.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Neodymium is used to create powerful permanent magnets.
  • The scientist isolated a sample of neodymium from the mineral ore.
  • The distinctive color of some glass is due to the presence of neodymium.

Advanced Usage

• "Neodymium magnet": A very strong permanent magnet made from an alloy of neodymium, iron, and boron (NdFeB).
  • The hard drive uses a tiny neodymium magnet to function.
• In compounds: Neodymium forms trivalent compounds (Nd³⁺), which are often used in coloring glass and ceramics.
  • Neodymium-doped lasers are used in various medical and industrial applications.

Variants and Related Words

• Neodymium(III) oxide (Nd₂O₃): A common oxide of neodymium.
• Neodymium glass: Glass containing neodymium, used in lasers and for its color-changing properties under different lighting.

Synonyms

• Element 60: Referring to its atomic number.
• Nd: Its chemical symbol.

Related Phrases and Terms

• Rare earth element: The category to which neodymium belongs.
• Lanthanide: The series on the periodic table containing 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