Noun: hafnium haf-nee-um
- A grey tetravalent metallic element that resembles zirconium chemically and is found in zirconium minerals; used in filaments for its ready emission of electrons
"Hafnium is used in nuclear submarine reactors as a neutron absorber";
- Hf, atomic number 72
Derived forms: hafniums
Type of: metal, metallic element
Encyclopedia: Hafnium