zirconium
/zɜrˈkoʊniəm/
noun
- A hard, silver-gray metallic chemical element (symbol Zr) that is very resistant to corrosion and is used in nuclear reactors and alloys.
- The periodic table lists zirconium with the atomic number 40.
- Nuclear reactors use zirconium to make fuel rods because it does not absorb neutrons easily.
- Zirconium is added to steel to make it stronger and more resistant to rust.