molybdenum

[muh-lib-duh-nuhm]

noun

Chemistry.

1. a silver-white metallic element, used as an alloy with iron in making hard, high-speed cutting tools. Mo; 95.94; 42; 10.2.

molybdenum

/ mɒˈlɪbdɪnəm /

noun

1. a very hard ductile silvery-white metallic element occurring principally in molybdenite: used mainly in alloys, esp to harden and strengthen steels. Symbol: Mo; atomic no: 42; atomic wt: 95.94; valency: 2–6; relative density: 10.22; melting pt: 2623°C; boiling pt: 4639°C

molybdenum

1. A hard, silvery-white metallic element that resists corrosion and retains its strength at high temperatures. It is used to harden and toughen steel and to make high-temperature wiring. Molybdenum is an essential trace element in plant metabolism. Atomic number 42; atomic weight 95.96; melting point 2,623°C; boiling point 4,639°C; specific gravity 10.22 (at 20°C); valence 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

2. See Periodic Table

Word History and Origins

Origin of molybdenum¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; from New Latin molybdēnum, alteration of earlier molybdēna “lead ore,” from Latin molybdaena, from Greek molýbdaina “galena,” equivalent to mólybd(os) “lead” + -aina a suffix indicating relationship or origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of molybdenum¹

C19: from New Latin, from Latin molybdaena galena, from Greek molubdaina, from molubdos lead

Example Sentences

The nanoflowers are made from molybdenum disulfide, an inorganic compound that can form many different two-dimensional shapes at very small scales.

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Their analysis included iron, chromium, molybdenum, and zirconium isotopes.

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Teck operates the Highlight Valley copper and molybdenum mining operation in south-central British Columbia.

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TMDs are built from stacked layers of a transition metal such as molybdenum and two layers of a chalcogen element like sulfur or selenium.

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Growth in average realized copper, gold, and molybdenum prices also helped.

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