Antimony: meaning, definitions and examples
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antimony
[ˈæntɪˌmoʊni ]
Definition
chemical element
Antimony is a chemical element with the symbol Sb and atomic number 51. It is a metalloid that has been known since ancient times and is primarily used in the production of alloys. Antimony is often added to lead to increase its hardness and mechanical properties. The element is also found in various minerals and has some applications in flame retardants and electronics. Despite its usefulness, antimony can be toxic and poses environmental risks.
Synonyms
Sb, stibium.
Examples of usage
- Antimony is used in the manufacturing of batteries.
- The alloy was strengthened with antimony.
- Antimony trioxide is commonly used as a flame retardant.
- He studied the properties of antimony for his project.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The name 'antimony' comes from the Latin 'antimonium', which was thought to mean 'against your own nature' because it was often mistaken for a different metal.
- The word also has roots in Greek, where 'anti' means 'against' and 'monos' means 'alone', indicating its unique characteristics.
- Historically, antimony was known as a 'stibium' which is derived from the Greek word 'stibi', referring to its use in cosmetics.
Historical Uses
- In ancient Egypt, antimony was used in the form of kohl for eye makeup, believed to possess protective qualities.
- Medieval Alchemists considered it an essential element for transmutation and believed it could transform base metals into gold.
- The use of antimony in traditional Chinese medicine dates back to the Han dynasty and was employed to treat various ailments.
Modern Applications
- Today, antimony is primarily used in the production of flame retardants in textiles and electronics, enhancing safety.
- It plays a crucial role in lead-acid batteries, improving performance and prolonging lifespan.
- The element is increasingly used in semiconductor technology, essential for modern electronics and computer chips.
Chemical Properties
- Antimony can exist in several allotropes, including metallic and non-metallic forms, showcasing its versatility.
- It is classified as a metalloid, meaning it has properties of both metals and non-metals, useful in various chemical reactions.
- Due to its complexity, antimony can form various compounds, some of which are utilized in pharmaceuticals and research.
Environmental Aspects
- Mining and processing antimony can pose environmental risks, necessitating careful management to prevent contamination.
- Some organisms have shown the ability to accumulate antimony, which raises concerns regarding its toxicity in ecosystems.
- Efforts are underway to maximize recycling rates of antimony to minimize its ecological impact.
Translations
Translations of the word "antimony" in other languages:
🇵🇹 antimônio
🇮🇳 अंटिमनी
🇩🇪 Antimon
🇮🇩 antimon
🇺🇦 антимон
🇵🇱 antymon
🇯🇵 アンチモン
🇫🇷 antimoine
🇪🇸 antimonio
🇹🇷 antimon
🇰🇷 안티몬
🇸🇦 الأنتيمون
🇨🇿 antimon
🇸🇰 antimon
🇨🇳 锑
🇸🇮 antimon
🇮🇸 antímon
🇰🇿 антимон
🇬🇪 ანტიმონი
🇦🇿 antimon
🇲🇽 antimonio