molybdenum

American  

[muh-lib-duh-nuhm] / məˈlɪb də nəm /

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.

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molybdenum British  

/ 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

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molybdenum Scientific  

/ mə-lĭb′də-nəm /

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

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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

Example Sentences

The capsule itself is made of gelatin coated with cellulose and either molybdenum or tungsten, which prevents any RF signal from being emitted before the pill is swallowed.

From Science Daily

The nanodots are created from molybdenum oxide, a compound derived from molybdenum.

From Science Daily

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

From Science Daily

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

From Science Daily

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

From The Wall Street Journal