rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryterbiumChemical element
noun

terbium

TUR-bee-um/ˈtɜːrbiəm/

A silvery rare-earth chemical element with atomic number 65.

Terbium is a silvery metal with the atomic number 65.

A silvery terbium metal sample in a small laboratory dish, soft metal sheen and clean edge, only essential element label 'Tb'.
Etymology
terbSwedisha town in Sweden
+iumLatinmetallic element name ending

Ytterby supplies the element’s geographical connection: the mineral containing it was found near that Swedish town. The ending -ium marks it as a metallic element.

In context

InvestorNews1:14
our ionic clay has some of the highest proportions of dysprosium and terbium of any clay worldwide
ABx Group’s Mark Cooksey on Dysprosium, Terbium and the Race for Heavy Rare Earths

More examples

  • The sample contains a small amount of terbium.
  • Terbium compounds help produce green light in some displays.
  • Scientists study how terbium behaves in strong magnetic fields.