Titanium Dioxide
/taɪˈteɪniəm daɪˈɒksaɪd/noun
A bright white inorganic compound used chiefly as a pigment, photocatalyst, and ingredient in some sunscreens.
Did you know?Titanium was named after the Titans of Greek mythology because its discoverer associated the new element with their legendary strength; the name is mythological, not alchemical.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
Τιτάν (Titán)
“A Titan, one of the primordial divine powers of Greek mythology”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ὀξύς (oxús)
“Sharp, pointed, or sour; the root later associated with oxygen and oxides”
1791
English
titanium
“The newly recognized chemical element, named after the Titans”
Late 18th Century
French
oxygène
“Oxygen; a coined chemical term built from Greek oxús, “acid-forming,” and -genēs, “producing””
19th Century
English
oxide
“A compound formed by oxygen combined with another element”
19th–20th Century
English
titanium dioxide
“The compound TiO₂, consisting of titanium combined with two oxygen atoms”