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

Hunting axions with 'quasiparticles' The foundation of the team's dark matter detector is the development of an axion quasiparticle using a material known for its unique electronic and magnetic characteristics called manganese bismuth telluride. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 16 Apr. 2025

Chinese state newspaper the Global Times also announced export controls on items related to tungsten, tellurium, bismuth, molybdenum and indium. —John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025

In 2024, the US relied on China for over 50% of its imports of some critical materials, such as yttrium, bismuth, antimony, arsenic, and rare earths, according to the USGS. —John Liu, CNN, 21 Mar. 2025

China was also a major supplier of U.S. bismuth, from 2019-2022 accounting for 68 percent, followed by South Korea (20 percent), Belgium and Mexico (2 percent each). —Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025

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