niobium

noun

ni·​o·​bi·​um nī-ˈō-bē-əm How to pronounce niobium (audio)
: a lustrous light gray ductile metallic element that resembles tantalum chemically and is used in alloys see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of niobium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Among other things, the Rwandans have been said to secretly transport niobium from a mine near Goma across the border and then export it. — Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025 This means the cable only requires two connectors—one at the top of the fridge and another at the transition from silver to niobium-titanium. — IEEE Spectrum, 8 Dec. 2025 New copper substitutes, like ultra-conductive aluminum, carbon nanotubes, and niobium phosphide, are promising but still in their infancy. — Adam Charles Simon, The Conversation, 19 Mar. 2026 Still, experts believe Venezuela has deposits of some minerals, such as coltan — of which the metals tantalum and niobium are derived — and bauxite, which can contain aluminum and gallium. — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 11 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for niobium

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin Niobe; from its occurrence in tantalite

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of niobium was in 1845

Rhymes for niobium

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Browse Nearby Words

niobite
niobium
niobium pentoxide
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Niobium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/niobium. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

niobium

noun
ni·​o·​bi·​um nī-ˈō-bē-əm How to pronounce niobium (audio)
: a shiny gray metallic element used in alloys see element

Medical Definition

niobium

noun
ni·​o·​bi·​um nī-ˈō-bē-əm How to pronounce niobium (audio)
: a lustrous light gray ductile metallic element that resembles tantalum chemically and is used in alloys
—symbol Nb

called also columbium

see Chemical Elements Table

More from Merriam-Webster on niobium

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about niobium

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