boron

noun

bo·​ron ˈbȯr-ˌän How to pronounce boron (audio)
: a metalloid chemical element that is found in nature only in combination and that is used especially in borosilicate glass and detergents see Chemical Elements Table
boronic
bȯr-ˈä-nik How to pronounce boron (audio)
adjective

Examples of boron in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Export-Import Bank is also investing $8 million in 5E Advanced Materials to develop a boron deposit in California. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 Aug. 2026 To find more of it here than anywhere, alongside large, measured lithium, potash, and boron at world-class grade, is not a mining story. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 3 Aug. 2026 In this form, boron nitride becomes what scientists call a superhard material, second in hardness to diamond. — Robin MacAluso, The Conversation, 3 Aug. 2026 The rest, in this case about 79% of the bag, is inert ingredients and, sometimes, trace amounts of other nutrients such as calcium, boron, or iron. — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for boron

Word History

Etymology

borax + -on (as in carbon)

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of boron was in 1812

Phrases Containing boron

Rhymes for boron

See All Rhymes for boron

Browse Nearby Words

borohydride
boron
boronatrocalcite
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Boron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boron. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

boron

noun
bo·​ron ˈbō(ə)r-ˌän How to pronounce boron (audio)
ˈbȯ(ə)r-
: a metalloid element found in nature only in combination (as in borax) see element

Medical Definition

boron

noun
bo·​ron ˈbō(ə)r-ˌän, ˈbȯ(ə)r- How to pronounce boron (audio)
: a trivalent metalloid element found in nature only in combination and used in metallurgy and in composite structural materials
—symbol B see Chemical Elements Table
boronic
bȯr-ˈän-ik, bōr- How to pronounce boron (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on boron

Nglish: Translation of boron for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about boron

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