English Explanatory Dictionary

rare earth

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. Any of the naturally occurring oxides of the lanthanide metals; they are widely distributed in relatively small concentrations and are used in glassmaking, ceramic glazes etc.
  2. A rare earth element.

Word forms

rare earth rare earths

Etymology

From rare + earth. First use appears c. 1841 in the publications of Henry Minchin Noad. See cite below.

Synonyms

rare earth mineral rare earth metal lanthanide

Derived words

rare earth element rare earth metal rare earth mineral
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