noun

gadolinium

gad-uh-LIN-ee-um/ˌɡædəˈlɪniəm/

A silvery rare-earth chemical element used in medical imaging contrast agents.

A silvery sample of gadolinium rests in a shallow laboratory dish.

A silvery gadolinium metal specimen in a shallow laboratory dish identified by the functional chemical notation “64 Gd,” with a simplified MRI scanner set apart behind it as a secondary medical-imaging cue.

Etymology

gadolinModern Latinearth named for Johan Gadolin

Gadolinia honored Johan Gadolin, who investigated the material that eventually yielded this element and several others. The ending -ium turns that commemorative earth name into a chemical element name.

In context

Cube Chemistry23:40

Specifically, gadolinium is widely used as a contrast agent in MRI scans, magnetic resonance imaging.

Is Gadolinium Safe? What Happens Inside an MRI Machine

More examples

Some MRI contrast agents contain gadolinium.
Doctors check kidney function before using certain gadolinium contrast agents.
Researchers study the magnetic properties of gadolinium.

Forms

gadolinium