THULIUM Meaning and
Definition
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Thulium is a chemical element with the symbol Tm and atomic number 69. It is classified as a lanthanide, part of the rare earth elements group on the periodic table. Thulium was named after "Thule," a mythical land in the far north, to reflect its rarity.
In its pure form, thulium is a silvery-gray metal that is relatively soft and malleable. It is the second least abundant of the naturally occurring lanthanides and is mainly produced through uranium fission or by extracting from monazite ores. Thulium has several unique properties, including its ability to absorb neutrons, making it valuable in certain nuclear applications.
Thulium is primarily used in scientific research and as a doping agent in certain laser materials. Its luminescent properties allow for its use in lasers that emit high-power infrared light, often used in medicine for various procedures, such as surgery and dermatology.
From a biological perspective, thulium is not essential for any known biological processes and does not have a significant role in human or animal health. It does not occur naturally in living organisms but may exhibit low toxicity.
In summary, thulium is a rare chemical element with distinct properties and applications in scientific research and laser technology. Its scarcity contributes to its high value, and its luminescent properties enable its use in medical procedures.
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A metallic element, symbol Tm, atomic weight 168.5.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for THULIUM
Etymology of THULIUM
The word "thulium" originates from the Greek word "Thule", which refers to a distant and mysterious land believed to exist in ancient times. Thule was mentioned in various ancient texts, including the works of the Greek geographer and explorer Pytheas. The Swedish chemist Per Teodor Cleve discovered the element in 1879 and named it "thulium" in reference to the mythical land. This choice of name was likely due to the rarity of the element and its observed scarcity in nature at the time of its discovery.
Similar spelling words for THULIUM
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