A white metal element belonging to the alkaline earths; atomic no. 4., atomic wt. 9.012182. [G. beryllos, beryl]
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be·ryl·li·um bə-'ril-ē-əm n a steel-gray light strong brittle toxic bivalent metallic element used chiefly as a hardening agent in alloys symbol Be see ELEMENT (table)
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be·ryl·li·um (Be) (bə-rilґe-əm) [Gr. bēryllos beryl] a metallic element of atomic number 4, atomic weight 9.012. It is often found mixed with coal, and has many uses both in alloys and in pure form. Inhalation of its fumes causes berylliosis.Medical dictionary. 2011.