molybdenum
Americannoun
noun
-
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
Etymology
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
Vocabulary lists containing molybdenum
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
After Mr. Trump returned to office, China imposed further export controls on tungsten, tellurium, bismuth, molybdenum, indium and seven medium and heavy rare earths, including dysprosium and terbium.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 8, 2026
On Feb. 4, 2025, Beijing issued Announcement No. 10, putting tungsten, tellurium, bismuth, molybdenum and indium-related items under export licensing.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 7, 2026
For example, graphene and molybdenum dioxide nanoparticles are commonly used in gas sensors because their electrical conductivity changes when they absorb gases.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 11, 2026
The challenge is achieving enough energy to remove sulfur atoms from the top layer without harming the molybdenum layer beneath.
From Science Daily ● Jun. 17, 2026
“He said that he wasn’t surprised, and when I asked him why, he said, ‘Well, now, you know molybdenum is a chemical element.
From "Silent To The Bone" by E.L. Konigsburg
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
