rare earth

American  

noun

Chemistry.

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

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rare earth British  

noun

1. any oxide of a lanthanide

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

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Etymology

Origin of rare earth

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

China’s use of its leverage on rare earths also led to the recent detente—signals that powerful pushback can be effective.

From Barron's

The US could also negotiate an "offtake" agreement for Greenland's vast yet largely untapped supplies of rare earth minerals, Cohn suggested.

From BBC

The new measures required Chinese exporters of certain crucial rare earths to first apply for permission, giving Beijing the ability to hold up or block sales.

From The Wall Street Journal

In recent years, there has been increased interest in Greenland's natural resources, including rare earth minerals, uranium and iron, which are becoming easier to access as climate change thaws its ice sheet.

From BBC

It could also strike a deal to gain rights to rare earth minerals.

From Barron's