Beryllium

/bəˈrɪliəm/ noun

Definition

A hard, lightweight, gray metallic chemical element (atomic number 4) used in aerospace, nuclear reactors, and electronics.

Etymology

Named from 'beryl' (the gemstone from which it was first isolated), with the Latinized element suffix '-ium', discovered as an element in the 1820s.

Kelly Says

Beryllium is so strong yet light that NASA uses it in spacecraft—it's one of the reasons modern technology can be simultaneously tougher and lighter than ever before!

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