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

Studies have shown that breathing high levels of molybdenum for a long time can cause lung problems.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

These include tungsten, which is difficult to source and a crucial material for the aerospace industry, tellurium, widely used for solar panels, and molybdenum, which is used to strengthen steel alloys.

Read more on BBC

Kombu is also an unassuming health boost; as noted by Dr. Josh Axe with Dr. Axe, it "offers tons of minerals, such as calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, vanadium and zinc."

Read more on Salon

To prove the anomalous isotope effect and measure its magnitude to compare with theoretical predictions, Yu grew molybdenum disulfide crystals with two molybdenum isotopes in one crystal.

Read more on Science Daily

The secret behind the new catalyst is molybdenum carbide, an extremely hard ceramic material.

Read more on Science Daily