rare earth

noun

Chemistry.

1. the oxide of any of the rare-earth elements contained in various minerals.

rare earth

noun

1. any oxide of a lanthanide

2. Also called: rare-earth element. another name for lanthanide

Word History and Origins

Origin of rare earth¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

The trade clash between Washington and Beijing threatened Western access to rare earths, which are critical to Europe’s defense and green transition.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Beyond the dominant AI theme, global strategic resource stocks, such as rare earths and uranium should see continued momentum, given expectations for ongoing U.S.-China competition, U.S. supply chain diversification and AI energy needs.

Read more on MarketWatch

Visited this month by AFP, the southeastern mining region of Ganzhou -- which specialises in "heavy" rare earths including yttrium and terbium -- was a hive of activity.

Read more on Barron's

China, the world's top producer of rare earths, in October announced new controls on the export of the elements, used to make magnets crucial to the auto, electronics and defence industries.

Read more on Barron's

The top EU and US officials also discussed issues they are both facing including access to rare earths and chips -- vital for the tech industry.

Read more on Barron's