strontium

noun

stron·​tium ˈsträn(t)-sh(ē-)əm  ˈsträn-tē-əm 

: a soft malleable ductile metallic element of the alkaline-earth group occurring only in combination and used especially in color TV tubes, in crimson fireworks, and in the production of some ferrites see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of strontium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In the Adelaide River, seasonal rainfall dramatically alters the chemistry of the water; during the wet season, heavy rainfall washes material from ancient rocks into the river, changing the ratio of strontium isotopes. — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 10 June 2026

By adding strontium and titanium into hafnium oxide and fabricating the material using a two-stage growth process, the team created what are effectively microscopic p-n junctions inside the device. — New Atlas, 30 Apr. 2026

Debate over source and risks of contaminants In the wastewater sample Eurofins tested, the concentrations of lithium, strontium and vanadium were abnormally high compared to levels in rainwater or groundwater, according to Lazarte, the attorney. — Arcelia Martin, San Antonio Express-News, 27 Apr. 2026

But others, mostly isotopes of iodine, cesium, strontium and plutonium, remained in the environment for many years, damaging human health and the environment. — Eduardo B. Farfán, The Conversation, 21 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from strontia strontium oxide, from obsolete English strontian, from Strontian, village in Scotland

First Known Use

1808, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

strontium

noun

stron·​tium ˈsträn-ch(ē-)əm 

ˈstränt-ē-əm

: a soft metallic element that can be hammered and shaped, occurs only in combination, and is used in color TV picture tubes and red fireworks see element

Medical Definition

strontium

noun

stron·​tium ˈsträn-ch(ē-)əm  ˈstränt-ē-əm 

: a soft malleable ductile bivalent metallic element of the alkaline-earth group occurring only in combination

—symbol Sr see Chemical Elements Table