cobalt: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical, scientific, artistic (when referring to colour); formal in general use.
Quick answer
What does “cobalt” mean?
A hard, lustrous, silver-grey metallic chemical element (symbol Co, atomic number 27).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A hard, lustrous, silver-grey metallic chemical element (symbol Co, atomic number 27).
A deep, vivid blue colour (cobalt blue) produced using compounds of this metal; also refers to the metal and its compounds in industrial, technological, and artistic contexts (e.g., batteries, pigments, alloys).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Identical; associated with industry, technology, and art.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English in contexts like 'cobalt mining' due to media coverage of battery supply chains, but negligible difference overall.
Grammar
How to Use “cobalt” in a Sentence
[Noun] + of + cobalt (e.g., 'a piece of cobalt')cobalt + [Noun] (e.g., 'cobalt production')cobalt + is used + in/for (e.g., 'cobalt is used in batteries')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cobalt” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She preferred the cobalt vase to the turquoise one.
- The artist's use of cobalt pigment was striking.
American English
- He bought a cobalt blue shirt.
- The cobalt glaze on the pottery was vibrant.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussions about supply chains, mining investments, and commodity prices for electric vehicle batteries.
Academic
Chemistry, materials science, and geology papers on its properties, compounds, or environmental impact.
Everyday
Almost exclusively in reference to the colour 'cobalt blue' (e.g., describing paint, ceramics, or clothing).
Technical
Specifications for alloys, battery cathodes (e.g., lithium-cobalt-oxide), or ceramic glazes.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cobalt”
- Misspelling as 'cobolt' or 'cobald'.
- Confusing with the similarly coloured 'ultramarine' or 'cerulean'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is relatively abundant in the Earth's crust but often occurs in mixed ores, making extraction complex; it is considered a critical mineral due to high demand.
Cobalt stabilises the structure of lithium-ion battery cathodes, improving energy density and cycle life.
The pigment is synthetically produced from cobalt compounds (e.g., cobalt aluminate), though it occurs naturally in some minerals.
In large amounts, certain cobalt compounds are toxic and can cause health issues; however, the metallic form is generally stable and low-risk in everyday objects.
A hard, lustrous, silver-grey metallic chemical element (symbol Co, atomic number 27).
Cobalt is usually technical, scientific, artistic (when referring to colour); formal in general use. in register.
Cobalt: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkəʊ.bɒlt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkoʊ.bɑːlt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a COld, BALL-shaped, blue-Tinged metal. CO-BALT.
Conceptual Metaphor
STRENGTH AND VIBRANCY (e.g., 'cobalt determination', though rare).
Practice
Quiz
In which of these is cobalt NOT a key component?