n. (Chem.) A salt of tantalic acid. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. (Chem.) Of or pertaining to tantalum; derived from, or containing, tantalum; specifically, designating any one of a series of acids analogous to nitric acid and the polyacid compounds of phosphorus. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ See Tantalize. ] A punishment like that of Tantalus; a teasing or tormenting by the hope or near approach of good which is not attainable; tantalization. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]
Is not such a provision like tantalism to this people? Josiah Quincy. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ Cf. F. tantalite. ] (Min.) A heavy mineral of an iron-black color and submetallic luster. It is essentially a tantalate of iron. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. The act of tantalizing, or state of being tantalized. Gayton. [ 1913 Webster ]
v. t.
Thy vain desires, at strife
Within themselves, have tantalized thy life. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. One who tantalizes. [ 1913 Webster ]
adv. In a tantalizing or teasing manner. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ NL. So named on account of the perplexity and difficulty encounterd by its discoverer (Ekeberg) in isolating it. See Tantalus. ] (Chem.) A rare nonmetallic element found in certain minerals, as tantalite, samarskite, and fergusonite, and isolated as a dark powder which becomes steel-gray by burnishing. Symbol Ta. Atomic weight 182.0. Formerly called also
n. [ L., from Gr.
Tantalus's cup (Physics),