strontium monoxide: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “strontium monoxide” mean?
A chemical compound with the formula SrO, consisting of one strontium atom and one oxygen atom.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A chemical compound with the formula SrO, consisting of one strontium atom and one oxygen atom.
A white, crystalline, alkaline earth metal oxide used in ceramics, pyrotechnics (to produce a bright red flame), and in the production of certain glasses and optical materials.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage. Spelling and terminology are identical in both scientific communities.
Connotations
Technical and precise; carries no cultural or regional connotations.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside of highly specialised scientific literature and industry.
Grammar
How to Use “strontium monoxide” in a Sentence
[Strontium monoxide] is used as a dopant in [material].The reaction yields [strontium monoxide].[Strontium monoxide] exhibits [property].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “strontium monoxide” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The strontium-monoxide-doped ceramic glowed.
- A strontium-monoxide-based pigment was tested.
American English
- The strontium-monoxide-doped ceramic glowed.
- A strontium-monoxide-based pigment was tested.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; may appear in technical specifications or procurement documents for specialty chemical suppliers.
Academic
Used in chemistry, materials science, and engineering papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Primary context. Used to describe the compound's synthesis, properties, and applications in ceramics and pyrotechnics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “strontium monoxide”
Strong
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “strontium monoxide”
- Misspelling as 'strontim monoxide' or 'strontium monoxyde'.
- Incorrectly referring to it as 'strontium dioxide' (SrO2).
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a strontium monoxide'); it is typically non-countable.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, like many metal oxides, it can be an irritant to skin, eyes, and respiratory system, and it reacts with water to form a strong base (strontium hydroxide). Proper safety equipment is required when handling it.
It is most commonly referred to simply as 'strontium oxide' in technical literature. 'Strontium monoxide' is the systematic name specifying the one-to-one oxygen ratio.
Almost certainly not. Its use is confined to very specific industrial and laboratory applications, such as in the production of specialised ceramics, glass for cathode-ray tubes, and pyrotechnic compositions.
Strontium carbonate (SrCO3) is a different compound containing carbon and oxygen. It is also used in pyrotechnics for red flames and in the production of ceramics, but it decomposes to strontium monoxide at high temperatures.
A chemical compound with the formula SrO, consisting of one strontium atom and one oxygen atom.
Strontium monoxide is usually technical/scientific in register.
Strontium monoxide: in British English it is pronounced /ˌstrɒn.ti.əm mɒˈnɒk.saɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌstrɑːn.ti.əm məˈnɑːk.saɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Strontium' as the metal (like in red fireworks) and 'Monoxide' as MONO (one) OXIDE (oxygen). One strontium, one oxygen.
Practice
Quiz
In which industry is strontium monoxide primarily used for its colour properties?