rare earth

noun

, Chemistry.

1. the oxide of any of the rare-earth elements contained in various minerals.

rare earth

noun

1. any oxide of a lanthanide
2. Also calledrare-earth element another name for lanthanide

Word History and Origins

Origin of rare earth¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

The Moon contains minerals, including rare earths, metals like iron and titanium - and helium too, which is used in everything from superconductors to medical equipment.

From BBC

The route also supports Chinese investments in energy, infrastructure and rare earth mining critical for manufacturing electric vehicles.

From BBC

While the lunar terrain looks rather barren, it contains minerals, including rare earths, metals like iron and titanium - and helium too, which is used in everything from superconductors to medical equipment.

From BBC

They found that the elements could enter the eggshells via diffusion along the calcite boundaries and the organic matrix, and, at higher temperatures, that the rare earth built new minerals on the eggshell surface.

From Science Daily

"So-called rare earths are, for example, needed for wind turbines and electric cars, lithium and cobalt for batteries, and construction materials for green infrastructure."

From Science Daily