elemental germanium
nounUK /ˌelɪˈmentl dʒɜːˈmeɪniəm/
US /ˌelɪˈmentl dʒɜːrˈmeɪniəm/
Elemental germanium is a shiny, gray, hard material found in rocks and used to make tiny computer parts.
The scientist polished a piece of elemental germanium until it shone like a mirror.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. Germanium in its uncombined, zero-oxidation-state form, as opposed to germanium dioxide or other compounds.
The lab stored elemental germanium separately from its oxide powders.
3. A sample or ingot of the pure element germanium used in research or manufacturing.
They ordered a small disk of elemental germanium for the detector.
4. The basic, fundamental substance germanium as it appears in nature before being alloyed or processed.
Geologists studied how elemental germanium concentrates in certain minerals.