NYT Dictionary

TANTALUM

/ˈtæntələm/
NounTAN-ta-lumtan-ta-lum · 3 syllablesGrade 11

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2019, 2024, 2026

Meaning

A chemical element (symbol Ta) with atomic number 73: a rare, hard, blue-gray, lustrous transition metal that is highly corrosion-resistant.

Etymology

Origin: Latin

A New Latin word derived by Swedish chemist Anders Gustaf Ekeberg in 1802, from Latin Tantalus, named after Tantalus, alluding to the element's incapacity to absorb acid. See -ium.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 2 recorded puzzles:

Join the Spelling Bee Community

Get solving strategies, rare word lists, and puzzle tips in your inbox every week.