boron

 
Pronunciation: /ˈbɔːrɒn/

noun

[mass noun]
  • the chemical element of atomic number 5, a non-metallic solid. (Symbol: B)
  • Boron is usually prepared as an amorphous brown powder, but when very pure it forms hard, shiny, black crystals with semiconducting properties. The element has some specialized uses, such as in alloy steels and in nuclear control rods

Origin:

early 19th century: from borax, on the pattern of carbon (which it resembles in some respects)