Beryllium Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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beryllium
[bɛˈrɪliəm ]
Definition
chemical element
Beryllium is a chemical element with the symbol Be and atomic number 4. It is a relatively rare element in the universe, usually occurring in mineral forms such as beryl and chrysoberyl. Beryllium is a brittle metal and has a high melting point, making it valuable in aerospace and nuclear applications. Its low density and stiffness also make it an important component in various alloys and materials. Due to its toxicity, handling beryllium requires careful safety measures.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Beryllium is used in aerospace components.
- Mining beryllium requires safety precautions.
- Beryllium copper alloys are commonly used in electrical applications.
Translations
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Origin of 'beryllium'
The name 'beryllium' is derived from the mineral beryl, which has been known since ancient times. Beryl comes from the Greek word 'beryllos', meaning 'a precious blue-green color stone'. Beryllium was first discovered as a distinct element in 1798 by the French chemist Nicolas-Louis Vauquelin, who isolated it from beryl and emerald crystals. Initially, its metallic form was not produced until the 1820s when chemists could reduce it from its oxide. Due to its light weight and exceptional properties, beryllium became an important material in the development of certain technologies in the 20th century, especially in aerospace and defense sectors. However, it is also known for its health risks; exposure to beryllium dust can lead to chronic beryllium disease, and the handling of the element requires strict safety protocol.