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 called: rare-earth element. another name for lanthanide

Word History and Origins

Origin of rare earth¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

He added that ready-to-go Chinese technologies that matter to national competitiveness, like batteries and rare earths, could now flow to the US more easily.

From BBC

But later discoveries of rare earth minerals and abundant oil and gas put paid to that label.

From BBC

China's recent willingness to turn supply of rare earths on and off has spurred trading partners to diversify their suppliers.

From BBC

The two sides remain in discussions about issues including access to China's rare earths, its purchases of Russian oil, and US curbs on sales of advanced technology, including chips to China.

From BBC

For almost 80 years rare earth metals have been pumped out of this industrial plant in La Rochelle on France's west coast.

From BBC