hafnium
noun
haf·ni·um
ˈhaf-nē-əm 
: a metallic element that occurs especially in zirconium minerals and is used in control rods for nuclear reactors see Chemical Elements Table
Examples of hafnium in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The team tested the method using gold, tantalum, and natural hafnium samples.
—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
28 May 2026
By adding strontium and titanium into hafnium oxide and fabricating the material using a two-stage growth process, the team created what are effectively microscopic p-n junctions inside the device.
—
New Atlas,
30 Apr. 2026
This coating is made up of a hafnium oxide layer frosted with a thin topping of zirconia oxide.
—
IEEE Spectrum,
28 July 2025
Heavy rare earths such as scandium and hafnium are particularly valued for their applications in clean energy, aerospace, and defense technologies.
—
Amala Balakrishner,
CNBC,
10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for hafnium
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Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
28 May 2026
By adding strontium and titanium into hafnium oxide and fabricating the material using a two-stage growth process, the team created what are effectively microscopic p-n junctions inside the device.
—
New Atlas,
30 Apr. 2026
This coating is made up of a hafnium oxide layer frosted with a thin topping of zirconia oxide.
—
IEEE Spectrum,
28 July 2025
Heavy rare earths such as scandium and hafnium are particularly valued for their applications in clean energy, aerospace, and defense technologies.
—
Amala Balakrishner,
CNBC,
10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for hafnium
Cite this Entry
“Hafnium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hafnium. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hafnium
noun
haf·ni·um
ˈhaf-nē-əm
: a gray metallic element that is useful because of its ready absorption of neutrons see element
Medical Definition
hafnium
noun
haf·ni·um
ˈhaf-nē-əm
: a metallic element that resembles zirconium chemically, occurs in zirconium minerals, and readily absorbs neutrons
—symbol Hf
see Chemical Elements Table
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