samarium

n. [ NL., fr. E. samarskite. ] (Chem.) A rare metallic element of doubtful identity. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ Samarium was discovered, by means of spectrum analysis, in certain minerals (samarskite, cerite, etc.), in which it is associated with other elements of the earthy group. It has been confounded with the doubtful elements decipium, philippium, etc., and is possibly a complex mixture of elements not as yet clearly identified. Symbol Sm. Provisional atomic weight 150.2. [ 1913 Webster ]