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erbium

noun
er·​bi·​um | \ ˈər-bē-əm How to pronounce erbium (audio) \

Definition of erbium

: a metallic chemical element of the rare-earth group with atomic number 68 that is used especially in lasers, infrared light filters, and optical fibers — see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of erbium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 The beam excites the erbium atoms, which then add their energy to optical data signals passing through the fiber and boost the signals' power enough to carry them 50 miles or more before needing another boost. — Josh Mchugh, WIRED, "Beam On," 1 Aug. 2001

First Known Use of erbium

1843, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for erbium

New Latin, from Ytterby, Sweden

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More Definitions for erbium

erbium

noun
er·​bi·​um | \ ˈər-bē-əm How to pronounce erbium (audio) \

Medical Definition of erbium

: a metallic element of the rare-earth group that occurs with yttrium —symbol Er — see Chemical Elements Table

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