An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Any of the metallic chemical elements belonging to group 2 of the → periodic table; i.e. → beryllium, → magnesium, → calcium, → strontium, → barium, and → radium. They are not found free in the nature because they are highly reactive.

Etymology (EN): → alkaline; → earth; → metal.

Etymology (PE): Felez, → metal; qalyâyi, → alkaline; xâki “of or pertaining to soil,” from xâk, → soil.