scandium
noun
scan·di·um
ˈskan-dē-əm 
: a silvery-white metallic element found widely especially in association with rare earth elements and used especially in alloys and in high-intensity electric lamps see Chemical Elements Table
Examples of scandium in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Rare earths include 17 metallic elements in the periodic table made up of scandium, yttrium and the lanthanides.
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Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025
These include lithium, cobalt, copper, and nickel (often called critical minerals, essential for rechargeable batteries), as well as rare-earth minerals such as yttrium, scandium, and lanthanides (integral components of green infrastructure).
—Scott W. Stern, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 2025
Earlier, a study by researchers at the Tokyo University of Science had shown that doping a sodium-ion battery cathode with scandium can improve its cycling stability.
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2025
Interest in rare earths—comprising 15 lanthanides and scandium and yttrium, which are critical for modern technologies, such as artificial intelligence—is rising amid trade disputes between the U.S. and China.
—Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025
Specifically, dysprosium, neodymium, scandium and gallium — vital stuff for making powerful magnets, semiconductors, night-vision goggles, hypersonic missiles, and much more.
—Christopher Helman, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Why China dominates rare earths Rare earths are a group of 17 elements in the middle of the periodic table, including neodymium, cerium and scandium.
—Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 10 June 2025
Heavy rare earths such as scandium and hafnium are particularly valued for their applications in clean energy, aerospace, and defense technologies.
—Amala Balakrishner, CNBC, 10 June 2025
Rare earth minerals are a set of 17 metallic elements, such as scandium and yttrium, according to U.S. Geological Survey.
—Alain Sherter, CBS News, 2 May 2025
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Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025
These include lithium, cobalt, copper, and nickel (often called critical minerals, essential for rechargeable batteries), as well as rare-earth minerals such as yttrium, scandium, and lanthanides (integral components of green infrastructure).
—Scott W. Stern, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 2025
Earlier, a study by researchers at the Tokyo University of Science had shown that doping a sodium-ion battery cathode with scandium can improve its cycling stability.
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2025
Interest in rare earths—comprising 15 lanthanides and scandium and yttrium, which are critical for modern technologies, such as artificial intelligence—is rising amid trade disputes between the U.S. and China.
—Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025
Specifically, dysprosium, neodymium, scandium and gallium — vital stuff for making powerful magnets, semiconductors, night-vision goggles, hypersonic missiles, and much more.
—Christopher Helman, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Why China dominates rare earths Rare earths are a group of 17 elements in the middle of the periodic table, including neodymium, cerium and scandium.
—Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 10 June 2025
Heavy rare earths such as scandium and hafnium are particularly valued for their applications in clean energy, aerospace, and defense technologies.
—Amala Balakrishner, CNBC, 10 June 2025
Rare earth minerals are a set of 17 metallic elements, such as scandium and yttrium, according to U.S. Geological Survey.
—Alain Sherter, CBS News, 2 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Scandium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scandium. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
scandium
noun
scan·di·um
ˈskan-dē-əm
: a silvery white metallic element found together with other rare elements see element
Medical Definition
scandium
noun
scan·di·um
ˈskan-dē-əm
: a white trivalent metallic element found in association with rare earth elements
—symbol Sc
see Chemical Elements Table
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