boron

noun

bo·​ron ˈbȯr-ˌän 

: a metalloid chemical element that is found in nature only in combination and that is used especially in borosilicate glass and detergents see Chemical Elements Table

boronic

bȯr-ˈä-nik 

adjective

Examples of boron in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Speaking of biodiversity, the Biden administration has approved a massive lithium and boron mine in Nevada despite concerns from some environmentalists that the project could kill off an endangered wildflower, according to the Washington Post. —Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2024

Other teams have found success with similar reactions using supercritical water, magnetic particles, hydrogen or boron nitride. —Michael Irving, New Atlas, 29 July 2024

Exploration of the lithium and boron deposits in the Jadar valley has been done by multinational Rio Tinto mining company for 20 years. —Chris Morris, Fortune, 15 Jan. 2022

This reaction is kept at moderate levels using control rods made of neutron-absorbing materials, usually boron or cadmium, that limit the number of neutrons that can trigger fission. —Jacek Krywko, Ars Technica, 22 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

borax + -on (as in carbon)

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing boron

• boron carbide

Kids Definition

boron

noun

bo·​ron ˈbō(ə)r-ˌän 

ˈbȯ(ə)r-

: a metalloid element found in nature only in combination (as in borax) see element

Medical Definition

boron

noun

bo·​ron ˈbō(ə)r-ˌän, ˈbȯ(ə)r- 

: a trivalent metalloid element found in nature only in combination and used in metallurgy and in composite structural materials

—symbol B see Chemical Elements Table

boronic

bȯr-ˈän-ik, bōr- 

adjective