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molybdenum
[ muh-lib-duh-nuhm ]
/ məˈlɪb də nəm /
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noun Chemistry.
a silver-white metallic element, used as an alloy with iron in making hard, high-speed cutting tools. Symbol: Mo; atomic weight: 95.94; atomic number: 42; specific gravity: 10.2.
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Origin of molybdenum
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
Words nearby molybdenum
molybdate, molybdate orange, molybdenite, molybdenosis, molybdenous, molybdenum, molybdenum disulfide, molybdenum trioxide, molybdic, molybdous, mom
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use molybdenum in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for molybdenum
molybdenum
/ (mɒˈlɪbdɪnəm) /
noun
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
Word Origin for molybdenum
C19: from New Latin, from Latin molybdaena galena, from Greek molubdaina, from molubdos lead
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Scientific definitions for molybdenum
molybdenum
[ mə-lĭb′də-nəm ]
Mo
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. See Periodic Table.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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