1. A lustrous grey strong metallic element resembling titanium; it is used in nuclear reactors as a neutron absorber; it occurs in baddeleyite but is obtained chiefly from zircon
   "Zirconium alloys are used in the cladding of nuclear fuel rods";
   - Zr, atomic number 40

Derived forms: zirconiums

Type of: metal, metallic element

Part of: baddeleyite, zircon, zirconium silicate

Encyclopedia: Zirconium