cerium

Pronunciation:		'seereeum
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WordNet Dictionary

	Definition:	[n] a ductile gray metallic element of the lanthanide series; used in lighter flints; the most abundant of the rare-earth group

	Synonyms:	atomic number 58, Ce

	See Also:	bastnaesite, bastnasite, gadolinite, metal, metallic element, monazite, ytterbite

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

	Definition:	\Ce"ri*um\, n. [Named by Berzelius in 1803 from the asteroid Ceres, then just discovered (1801).] (Chem.) A rare metallic element, occurring in the minerals cerite, allanite, monazite, etc. Symbol Ce. Atomic weight 141.5. It resembles iron in color and luster, but is soft, and both malleable and ductile. It tarnishes readily in the air.