cobalt
UK: ˈkəʊbɔːlt | US: ˈkoʊbɔːlt
n. a hard, lustrous, silver-gray metal (chemical element Co)
n. a deep blue pigment derived from cobalt compounds
n. (historical) a term for goblins or evil spirits in mining folklore
The word "cobalt" originates from German miners' folklore. They named the ore Kobold ("goblin") because it was notoriously difficult to smelt and yielded no useful metal (unlike silver or copper), blaming "evil spirits" for the frustration. Later, the term was adopted for the isolated element (c. 1735), retaining its association with the troublesome ore.
Cobalt is essential for manufacturing rechargeable batteries.
The artist used cobalt blue to paint the ocean waves.
Miners once feared cobalt ores, believing them cursed by goblins.
This alloy contains nickel, iron, and a trace of cobalt.
The glass vase has a vibrant cobalt glaze.