Definition of "strontium" [stron•ti•um]

• A soft, silvery, easily oxidized metallic element that ignites spontaneously in air when finely divided. Strontium is used in pyrotechnic compounds and various alloys. Atomic number 38; atomic weight 87.62; melting point 769°C; boiling point 1,384°C; specific gravity 2.54; valence 2. See Table at element. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "But the water may contain other harmful substances, such as beta-ray emitting strontium, which is known for causing bone cancers."
• ""The strontium is the secret," said Li - although exactly what it is doing is unclear."
• "One of the procedures is called strontium isotope analysis, a technique that measures the ratio of strontium isotopes in a person's tooth enamel to determine where they grew up."