Vanadium

(văn-a'de-um.) (Chem.) A very rare metallic element, almost unknown in the separate state. Atomic weight, 51-2; Symbol, V. It belongs to the arsenic,antimony, and bismuth group. V. and its compounds have recently been submitted to detailed examination by Prof. Roscoe, who has obtained results of the highest scientific interest. It forms several oxides, a dioxide (V2O2), a triozide (V2O3), a tetroxide (V2O4), and a pentoxide or vanadic acid (V205). The latter acts the part of an acid, and forms a well-defined series of salts called vanadates. [s. 928]