iridium

n. precious metallic element of the platinum group (Chemistry); modern satellite communications system that enables mobile telephone communications everywhere in the world (Cellular Communication)

Iridium (IPA: ) is a chemical element that has the symbol Ir and atomic number 77. A dense, very hard, brittle, silvery-white transition metal of the platinum family, iridium is used in high strength alloys that can withstand high temperatures and occurs in natural alloys with platinum or osmium. Iridium is notable for being the most corrosion resistant element known and for its significance in the determination of the probable cause of the extinction, by a meteorite strike, of the dinosaurs. It is used in high temperature apparati, electrical contacts, and as a hardening agent for platinum.
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The Iridium satellite constellation is a system of 66 active communication satellites with spares in orbit and on the ground. It allows worldwide voice and data communications using handheld satellite phones. The Iridium network is unique in that it covers the whole earth, including poles, oceans and airways. The service is interdicted by American embargoes in North Korea, Iran, Libya and Sudan; if one tries to use the Iridium service in one of these countries it will not work.
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Noun
1. a heavy brittle metallic element of the platinum group; used in alloys; occurs in natural alloys with platinum or osmium
(synonym) Ir, atomic number 77
(hypernym) metallic element, metal

n. iridium, precious metallic element of the platinum group (Chemistry)

n. iridium, precious metallic element of the platinum group (Chemistry); modern satellite communications system that enables mobile telephone communications everywhere in the world (Cellular Communication)