bismuth

noun

bis·​muth ˈbiz-məth 

: a metallic element that is used in alloys, pharmaceuticals (especially bismuth subsalicylate), and in pigments for cosmetics see Chemical Elements Table

bismuthic

biz-ˈmə-thik 

-ˈmyü-

adjective

Examples of bismuth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As the world's largest energy consumer, the country is exploring technologies ranging from the use of materials such as thorium and bismuth to the accelerated expansion of renewable energies and nuclear generation. —Fernanda González, Wired News, 10 June 2026

Copper: An Economic and Strategic Imperative At full production, Resolution could yield more than 40 billion pounds of copper over decades, along with critical co-products including molybdenum, silver, tellurium, indium, and bismuth. —David Blackmon, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026

Some alternatives include bullets made from copper, as well as tungsten, bismuth and steel shot or anglers. —Drew Pittock, USA Today, 5 May 2026

The synthesis process consists of mixing bismuth ferrite with barium titanate to carefully engineer a strain, then growing the mixture as a thin film on a substrate that distorts its crystal structure. —Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 29 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin bismuthum, modification of German Wismut

First Known Use

1668, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing bismuth

• bismuth subsalicylate

Kids Definition

bismuth

noun

bis·​muth ˈbiz-məth 

: a heavy brittle grayish white metallic element that is chemically like arsenic and antimony and is used in alloys and drugs see element

Medical Definition

bismuth

noun

bis·​muth ˈbiz-məth 

: a heavy brittle grayish white chiefly trivalent metallic element that is chemically like arsenic and antimony and that is used in alloys and pharmaceuticals

—symbol Bi see Chemical Elements Table

bismuthic

biz-ˈməth-ik  -ˈmyü-thik 

adjective