Definition

Noun A soft, silvery-white metallic chemical element with the symbol Sc and atomic number 21. It is a transition metal, often classified with the rare-earth elements due to similar chemical properties and common geological occurrence. Scandium is relatively rare and is primarily obtained as a byproduct of uranium refining or from minerals like thortveitite.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Scandium is used in small amounts to strengthen aluminum alloys for aerospace components.
  • The chemist analyzed the sample for traces of scandium.
  • The unique properties of scandium make it valuable in high-performance sports equipment.

Advanced Usage

• "Scandium oxide" (Sc₂O₃): A white powder used in the production of high-intensity lights and electronic ceramics.
  • The compound scandium oxide is crucial for making certain types of lasers.
• In materials science, a "scandium-stabilized" material refers to one where scandium additives prevent undesirable phase changes, improving durability.
  • The zirconia was scandium-stabilized to enhance its ionic conductivity.

Variants and Related Words

• Scandate (noun): A salt containing an anion of scandium.
• Scandic (adjective): Relating to or containing scandium.
  • The research paper discussed the scandic concentration in the ore.

Synonyms

• Element 21 (technical/contextual synonym referring to its atomic number).
• Sc (chemical symbol abbreviation).

Notes on Meaning

While the core meaning is the chemical element, the term is almost exclusively used in scientific, industrial, and technical contexts (e.g., chemistry, metallurgy, materials engineering). It does not have common idiomatic or figurative uses.

Noun

1. a white trivalent metallic element; sometimes classified in the rare earth group; occurs in the Scandinavian mineral thortveitite