zirconium

noun

zir·​co·​ni·​um ˌzər-ˈkō-nē-əm 

: a steel-gray hard ductile metallic element with a high melting point that occurs widely in combined form (as in zircon), is highly resistant to corrosion, and is used especially in alloys and in refractories and ceramics see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of zirconium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Chanel now makes its own case and bracelet components from proprietary ceramic powder formulas and compressed cylinders of zirconium oxide powder. —Roberta Naas, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025

The 42mm case, case ring, bezel and case back ring are all made of black zirconium oxide ceramic, as are the add-on parts like the crown protection and the crown. —Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025

The ergonomic properties of black zirconium oxide ceramic, which is light and comfortable to wear, are bested only by its stealthy appearance, sleek by definition. —Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 1 Apr. 2025

Untapped cobalt, nickel, copper, lithium and zirconium There also appears to be an economic motivation, that has national security implications, behind Trump's interest in the territory. —Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from International Scientific Vocabulary zircon

First Known Use

1808, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing zirconium

• cubic zirconium

Rhymes for zirconium

• carbonium
• harmonium
• meconium
• plutonium
• polonium
• stramonium
• conium
• diazonium
• pandemonium
• pelargonium
• testimonium

Kids Definition

zirconium

noun

zir·​co·​ni·​um ˌzər-ˈkō-nē-əm 

: a steel-gray strong metallic element with a high melting point that is used especially in combination with other metals see element

Medical Definition

zirconium

noun

zir·​co·​ni·​um (ˌ)zər-ˈkō-nē-əm 

: a steel-gray strong ductile chiefly tetravalent metallic element with a high melting point

—symbol Zr see Chemical Elements Table