niobium

noun

ni·​o·​bi·​um nī-ˈō-bē-əm How to pronounce niobium (audio)
: a lustrous light gray ductile metallic element that resembles tantalum chemically and is used in alloys see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of niobium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The mines produce coltan — short for columbite-tantalite — an ore from which the metals tantalum and niobium are extracted. David Yusufu Kibingila, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025 And Greenland is home to minerals like lithium, niobium, and zirconium, all of which are useful for the production of batteries, electronics, and electric cars. Simmone Shah, TIME, 25 Mar. 2025 Many of the products and processes needed to decarbonize economies use scarce minerals, such as lithium in electric batteries and niobium and neodymium in the construction of wind turbines, as well as more familiar metals, such as aluminum and copper in cables that carry power. Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025 Metals like titanium, tungsten, and niobium are also essential for structural strength, heat resistance, and stealth coatings. David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for niobium

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin Niobe; from its occurrence in tantalite

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of niobium was in 1845

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Niobium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/niobium. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

niobium

noun
ni·​o·​bi·​um nī-ˈō-bē-əm How to pronounce niobium (audio)
: a shiny gray metallic element used in alloys see element

Medical Definition

niobium

noun
ni·​o·​bi·​um nī-ˈō-bē-əm How to pronounce niobium (audio)
: a lustrous light gray ductile metallic element that resembles tantalum chemically and is used in alloys
symbol Nb

called also columbium

see Chemical Elements Table

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