molybdenum

noun

mo·​lyb·​de·​num mə-ˈlib-də-nəm 

: a metallic element that resembles chromium and tungsten in many properties, is used especially in strengthening and hardening steel, and is a trace element in plant and animal metabolism see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of molybdenum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Peru is the top source of U.S. molybdenum ore and concentrates, accounting for nearly two-thirds of imports, followed by Mexico (18 percent) and Chile (12 percent). —Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025

In a separate statement Tuesday, Chinese commerce ministry and customs officials announced to impose export controls on items related to tungsten, tellurium, ruthenium, molybdenum and ruthenium. —Anniek Bao, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2025

And the commerce ministry and customs administration jointly announced fresh export controls on a handful of rare metals, including tungsten, indium and molybdenum. —John Ruwitch, NPR, 4 Feb. 2025

Minerals such as iron, calcium, iodine, magnesium, selenium, copper, molybdenum, and manganese can lead to serious side effects if consumed in excess. —Sarah Anzlovar, Ms, Verywell Health, 15 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from molybdena, a lead ore, molybdenite, molybdenum, from Latin molybdaena galena, from Greek molybdaina, from molybdos lead

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing molybdenum

• molybdenum disulfide

Kids Definition

molybdenum

noun

mo·​lyb·​de·​num mə-ˈlib-də-nəm 

: a metallic element used in steel alloys to give greater strength and hardness see element

Medical Definition

molybdenum

noun

mo·​lyb·​de·​num -də-nəm 

: a metallic element that resembles chromium and tungsten in many properties, is used especially in strengthening and hardening steel, and is a trace element in plant and animal metabolism

—symbol Mo see Chemical Elements Table