strontium

 
Pronunciation: /ˈstrɒntɪəm, ˈstrɒnʃ(ɪ)əm/

noun

[mass noun]
  • the chemical element of atomic number 38, a soft silver-white metal of the alkaline earth series. Its salts are used in fireworks and flares because they give a brilliant red light. (Symbol: Sr)

Origin:

early 19th century: from strontia + -ium