Thulium Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐งช
thulium
[หฮธuหliษm ]
Definition
chemical element
Thulium is a chemical element with the symbol 'Tm' and atomic number 69. It is a silvery-gray metal that belongs to the lanthanide series of the periodic table. Thulium is unique because it is one of the few elements that has a stable isotope. It is used in various applications including nuclear reactors and as a dopant for certain solid-state lasers. Thulium is relatively rare in the Earth's crust, and it plays a role in advanced technologies.
Synonyms
Tm, lanthanide, terbium.
Examples of usage
- Thulium is utilized in medical lasers.
- The high melting point of thulium makes it ideal for industrial use.
- Scientists are researching the properties of thulium for energy applications.
Translations
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Origin of 'thulium'
Thulium was discovered in 1879 by the Swedish chemist Per Teodor Cleve, who isolated it from a mineral called gadolinite. The name 'thulium' is derived from 'Thule', an ancient name used to describe a distant northern place by Greek and Roman geographers. This reflects the element's place in the lanthanide series, which are often termed rare earth elements. Initially, thulium was difficult to isolate in its pure form, but advances in chemical processing in the 20th century have made it more accessible. Its uses have expanded significantly, especially in the fields of medicine and technology, as researchers continue to discover new applications for this versatile element.