titanium

noun ti·ta·ni·um \ tī-ˈtā-nē-əm , tə- also -ˈta-nē-əm , -ˈtan-yəm \

|Updated on: 4 Aug 2018

Definition of titanium

: a silvery-gray light strong metallic element obtained from ilmenite and rutile and used especially in alloys and combined in refractory materials, pigments, and coatings — see Chemical Elements Table

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Recent Examples of titanium from the Web

However, after emergency surgery above his left eye and a subsequent operation to fit a titanium plate to strengthen the skull, Massa made a full recovery allowing him to return for the 2010 season.

— CNN, "Motorsport great Felipe Massa to race in Formula E," 15 May 2018
The bad guys take Will’s daughter, Georgia (McKenna Roberts), hostage and to get her back, Will needs to open the 10-inch titanium doors of The Pearl’s panic room on the 220th floor.

— brian truitt, USA TODAY, "'Skyscraper': 5 totally preposterous moments where Dwayne Johnson has to save the day," 11 July 2018
The design changes are intended to help the booster hold up better to the stresses of launch: improved engines, a more durable interstage, titanium grid fins, and a new thermal protection system.

— amy thompson, WIRED, "SpaceX Is About to Launch Its Final Block 4 Falcon," 28 June 2018
The indictment charged that in addition to the aluminum tubing, Valadbaigi illegally exported to Iran titanium sheets from a company in northern Illinois.

— jason meisner, chicagotribune.com, "Iranian indicted in Chicago on charges he exported aluminum tubing used in missile industry," 21 June 2018
Because of its concerns about A&P Alloys and its conduct, Pratt & Whitney directed Lewis to return the titanium to A&P Alloys.

— david owens, courant.com, "Owners Of Metals Company That Defrauded Pratt & Whitney And Subcontractor Face Prison," 28 June 2018
The camera that caught Alzahab’s eye is indeed a curiosity: 30 pounds of copper, titanium, steel, gold and other metals welded together into a box that makes pictures by admitting only a pinhole of light.

— wayne martin belger, Smithsonian, "Pushed to the Margins, These Brave People Are Pushing Back," 27 June 2018
Jones-Duffey endured nearly a year of chemotherapy, lost her hair and underwent a limb-salvage operation that included a knee replacement and a titanium rod in her tibia.

— terrence thomas, San Antonio Express-News, "Whitlock’s departure leaves legacy of family," 26 June 2018
Peter Thomas Roth: Sunscreen is your skin's number one friend, and PTR recognizes that, offering an impressive 50% off its Super Size Instant Mineral SPF 45, a setting powder with sun protection thanks to physical blockers zinc and titanium oxide.

— rachel jacoby zoldan, Glamour, "The Best Memorial Day 2018 Beauty Sales to Shop This Weekend," 23 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'titanium.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of titanium

New Latin, from Greek Titan

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First Known Use: 1796

in the meaning defined above

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TITANIUM Defined for English Language Learners

titanium

noun

Definition of titanium for English Language Learners

: a very strong and light silvery metal

Medical Dictionary

titanium

noun ti·ta·ni·um \ tī-ˈtān-ē-əm, tə- also -ˈtan- \

medical Definition of titanium

: a silvery gray light strong metallic element found combined in ilmenite and rutile and used especially in alloys (as steel) and combined in refractory materials and in coatings —symbol Ti — see Chemical Elements Table