Definition

A shiny, silver-white metal that is part of the rare-earth elements, used to enhance the properties of certain alloys and found in some minerals.

Example

Gadolinium is often used in medical imaging to improve the quality of MRI scans.

Conversation

Have you heard about gadolinium?

Yeah, I read that it's used in some medical imaging techniques.

That's right! It's interesting how such a rare element can be so useful.

Absolutely, science is full of surprises like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Gadolinium** → The name 'gadolinium' is derived from 'Gadolinia', named after the Finnish chemist Johan Gadolin, who discovered the mineral gadolinite from which the element was isolated. The suffix '-ium' is commonly used in chemistry to denote metallic elements. Thus, gadolinium refers to the metallic element named after Gadolin.

Memory Tip

Think of Johan Gadolin, the chemist who discovered the mineral that led to the naming of gadolinium. The '-ium' ending helps you remember that it's a metal.

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