Obtainium

Obtainium is a fictional or humorous term used to describe a rare, difficult-to-acquire, and often highly valuable material or resource that is essential for a particular purpose, typically in science fiction, fantasy, or business contexts. The term implies that acquiring this material is a significant challenge and often involves overcoming considerable obstacles.

The word itself is a portmanteau of "obtain" and "-ium," a common suffix used to denote elements on the periodic table. This construction suggests a material that is almost element-like in its importance and fundamental properties, even though it is not a real element.

The specific properties and uses of Obtainium vary depending on the fictional or humorous context. It is often presented as possessing unique capabilities that are crucial for advanced technology, magical spells, or achieving a competitive advantage. The scarcity of Obtainium is a key characteristic, contributing to its high value and the challenges associated with acquiring it.

In some cases, the term "Obtainium" is used ironically to describe a real-world material or resource that is perceived as difficult to obtain due to regulations, market forces, or other constraints. It can also be used as a placeholder term when the specific material or resource is not yet known or defined.

The term is often used in brainstorming sessions, particularly in engineering or product development, to represent an ideal or hypothetical material that possesses all the desired properties but is currently unavailable. It serves as a target for research and development efforts.