Erbium: meaning, definitions and examples

The name 'erbium' is derived from the village of Ytterby in Sweden, where several rare earth elements were first discovered, including erbium itself. The element was first isolated in 1843 by the Swedish chemist Carl Gustaf Mosander, who initially recognized it as a component of another rare earth mineral, gadolinite. Its discovery was part of a larger trend in the 19th century, wherein chemists were starting to isolate and identify the many elements of the lanthanide series. The pink color of erbium oxide was noted for its aesthetic qualities, leading to its incorporation in glass and ceramics. Over the years, erbium's applications have expanded beyond decoration to more technologically advanced uses, particularly in optics and telecommunications, showcasing its evolving significance in modern science and industry.

This word's position of #31,685 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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• 31683 amatory
• 31684 unseeing
• 31685 erbium
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• 31687 antisemitic
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