The Element Table

The Element Table - Names of Symbols on the Element Table
Some of the Element Table symbols are derived from their names in the Greek, Latin or German languages. Great if you are multi-lingual but difficult if you are not! Knowing the origins of the contents of the Element Table make it easier to learn and understand. There are only ten elements on the Element table whose element symbols are not immediately apparent. Learn these origins of symbols and the Element Table becomes easier!

• Sb: Antimony : Sb - From the Greek words 'anti' and 'monos' meaning "opposed to solitude".

• Cu: Copper : Cu - From the Latin word 'cyprium', after the island of Cyprus.

• Au: Gold : Au - From the Latin word 'aurum' meaning gold.

• Fe: Iron : Fe - From the Latin word 'ferrum' meaning iron.

• Pb: Lead : Pb - From the Latin word 'plumbum' meaning lead.

• Hg : Mercury: Hg - From the Greek word 'hydrargyros' meaning 'water' and 'silver'.

• K: Potassium : K - From the Medieval Latin word 'kalium' meaning potash (pot ashes).

• Ag: Silver: Ag - From the Latin word 'argentum' meaning silver

• Sn: Tin : Sn - From the Latin word 'stannum' meaning tin

• W: Tungsten:W - From the German word 'Wolfram'. Ancient alchemists called the metal "spuma lupi," the Latin words for  'wolf foam' which was translated to the word "wolframite" with reference to the unpleasant substance formed during the smelting of tin ores containing tungsten