thulium: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

In its stable, solid metallic form, it is considered low toxicity. However, like many fine metal powders, it can be a fire hazard and its compounds should be handled with standard laboratory precautions.

It is not found free in nature but occurs in small amounts in minerals like monazite, euxenite, and xenotime, often alongside other rare-earth elements.

Its main uses are as a radiation source in portable X-ray devices and as a dopant in solid-state lasers (particularly for surgery and dentistry). It has limited metallurgical and research applications.

It was discovered in 1879 by Swedish chemist Per Teodor Cleve, who named it after Thule, an ancient term for Scandinavia.

A silvery-gray, malleable, rare-earth metallic element (symbol Tm, atomic number 69).

Thulium is usually exclusively scientific/technical; not used in general conversation. in register.

Thulium: in British English it is pronounced /ˈθjuːliəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈθuːliəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.