Noun: alkaline-earth metal
- Any of the metallic elements in group 2 (IIA) of the periodic table, characterized by their bivalent nature and including beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, and radium
"Calcium is an alkaline-earth metal essential for strong bones and teeth";
- alkaline earth
Derived forms: alkaline-earth metals
Type of: metal, metallic element
Encyclopedia: Alkaline-earth metal