rare earth

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English

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Etymology

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(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium. Particularly: “When did the term start to be used?”)

Noun

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rare earth (plural rare earths)

  1. (chemistry) Any of the naturally occurring oxides of the lanthanide metals; they are widely distributed in relatively small concentrations and are used in glassmaking, ceramic glazes etc.
  2. a rare earth element

Derived terms

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Translations

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Further reading

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