Vanadium
(noun)
A chemical element with the symbol V and atomic number 23. It is a hard, silvery-gray metal that is used as an alloying agent in steel and other metals, and as a catalyst.
Origin:
Early 19th century: from the genus name vanadis (a scandinavian goddess, personifying beauty and fertility), because of the beautiful colors of its compounds, + -ium.
Examples:
- Vanadium is a rare element that is found in some minerals.
- Vanadium steel is harder and more durable than regular steel.
- Vanadium is used in the production of vanadium redox batteries.
- Vanadium compounds can be used as catalysts in chemical reactions.
- Vanadium pentoxide is used in ceramics and as a catalytic oxidizer.