1.
[syn: rubidium, Rb, atomic number 37]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Rubidium \Ru*bid"i*um\, n. [NL., fr. L. rubidus red, fr. rubere
to be red. So called from two dark red spectroscopic lines by
means of which it was discovered in the lepidolite from
Rozena, Moravia. See Rubicund.] (Chem.)
A rare metallic element of the alkali metal series, atomic
number 37. It occurs quite widely, but in small quantities,
and always combined. It is isolated as a soft yellowish white
metal, analogous to potassium in most of its properties.
Symbol Rb. Atomic weight, 85.48.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
rubidium
n 1: a soft silvery metallic element of the alkali metal group;
burns in air and reacts violently in water; occurs in
carnallite and lepidolite and pollucite [syn: rubidium,
Rb, atomic number 37]