Cerias

/ˈsɪəriəz/ noun

Definition

Plural of ceria, a white or pale yellow powder that is an oxide of cerium used in ceramics, glass polishing, and catalysts.

Etymology

From ceria (cerium oxide), derived from cerium, which was named after the asteroid Ceres discovered in 1801. The Latin suffix -ia creates a noun form for chemical compounds.

Kelly Says

Cerium was one of the first rare earth elements discovered, and ceria became crucial for polishing telescope lenses and optical glass—it's literally helped us see further into space!

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