Bismuth Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bismuth

[ˈbɪzməθ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

chemical element

Bismuth is a chemical element with the symbol Bi and atomic number 83. It is a brittle metal with a white, silver-pink hue and is the heaviest element that is not radioactive. Bismuth is often used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics and can be found in a variety of applications, including fire detectors and low-melting alloys. Due to its unique properties, it is also studied for its potential application in electronics and as a non-toxic substitute for lead.

Synonyms

Bi, bismuthine, heavy metal.

Examples of usage

  • Bismuth subsalicylate is commonly used to treat upset stomachs.
  • The production of bismuth metal has increased in recent years.
  • Bismuth is often used in a variety of alloys for its low melting point.

Translations

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Origin of 'bismuth'

The word 'bismuth' derives from the German term 'Wismut', which referred to a metalloid substance found in the earth. The origins can be traced back to medieval mining operations in Germany, where the mineral was first identified. The name itself is thought to have evolved from a combination of the German 'Wismut', possibly meaning 'white mass', and the Latin 'bisemutum', which means 'twice' or 'twice the mass'. In 1753, the French chemist Claude Louis Berthollet named the element as we know it today, formalizing its identity in the periodic table of elements. Since then, bismuth has been extensively studied for its unique properties, including its low toxicity compared to lead, and the ability to expand when frozen, which has made it a material of interest in various scientific fields.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,873, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.