rare earth

American  

noun

Chemistry.

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

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rare earth British  

noun

1. any oxide of a lanthanide

2. Also called: rare-earth element.  another name for lanthanide

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Etymology

Origin of rare earth

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

Like the United States and the European Union, Japan is drawn by the region's enormous -- but still mostly unexploited -- natural resources in a push to diversify rare earths supplies and reduce dependence on Beijing.

From Barron's

“We’re interested in generating agreements for the exploitation of our resources such as lithium and other rare earth minerals.”

From The Wall Street Journal

The continent is loaded with copper, chromium, lithium and rare earths.

From MarketWatch

China dominates the critical minerals market while supplying about 90% of the world’s rare earths.

From The Wall Street Journal

He has been raising concerns about production of everything from bombs to rare earths to penicillin, saying manufacturing is lagging behind and an investment plan is needed.

From The Wall Street Journal