Bis'muth, n.

n. [Ger. bismuth, wismuth, O. Ger. wesemot, N. Lat. bismuthum, rismuthum, Fr. bi'smuth.] A metal of a reddish-white color, crystallizing in rhombohedrons which look nearly like cubes. It is somewhat harder than lead, and rather brittle; masses show broad cleavage surfaces when broken across. Specific gravity, 8. It melts at 476° Fahr., being easily fused in the flame of a candle. It is found in a native state, and as a constituent of some minerals.