tantalum

noun

tan·​ta·​lum ˈtan-tə-ləm 

: a gray-white ductile acid-resisting metallic element found combined in rare minerals (such as tantalite and columbite) and used especially in electronic components see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of tantalum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Once smelted, gold, tin, tantalum, and tungsten from the area enter global supply chains, feeding demand for electronics, jewellery, and car parts. —Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 1 June 2026

While gold and tantalum served as simpler baseline materials, hafnium posed a far greater challenge. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 28 May 2026

Save for the dial’s starburst finish, tantalum is the one doing the talking here. —Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 1 May 2026

But the better one was a 20-piece limited edition in a tantalum case. —Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 30 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin Tantalus; from its inability to absorb acid

First Known Use

1809, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

tantalum

noun

tan·​ta·​lum ˈtant-ᵊl-əm 

: a gray-white metallic element found in rare minerals and used especially in electronic devices see element

Medical Definition

tantalum

noun

tan·​ta·​lum ˈtant-ᵊl-əm 

: a hard ductile gray-white acid-resisting metallic element of the vanadium family found combined in rare minerals and sometimes used in surgical implants and sutures

—symbol Ta see Chemical Elements Table