A heavy metal of the vanadium group, atomic no. 73, atomic wt. 180.9479; used in surgical prostheses because of its noncorrosive properties. [G. mythical king of Lydia, Tantalus]
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tan·ta·lum 'tant-əl-əm n a hard ductile gray-white acid-resisting metallic element of the vanadium family found combined in rare minerals and sometimes used in surgical implants and sutures symbol Ta see ELEMENT (table)
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n.
a rare heavy metal used in surgery as it is easily moulded and does not corrode. For example, tantalum sutures and plates are used for repair of defects in the bones of the skull. Symbol: Ta.
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tan·ta·lum (Ta) (tanґtə-ləm) a rare metallic element; atomic number, 73; atomic weight, 180.948. It is a noncorrosive and malleable metal which has been used for plates or disks to replace cranial defects, for wire sutures, and for making prosthetic appliances.Medical dictionary. 2011.