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

These materials include the rare earth metals graphite, niobium, platinum group metals, molybdenum, tantalum and titanium. —Sam Meredith, CNBC, 17 Jan. 2025

Both molybdenum disulphide and tungsten diselenide belong to a group called transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). —Ars Technica, 2 Jan. 2025

There have been attempts to achieve effects somewhat equivalent to doping in 2D molybdenum disulphide, but the process was difficult to control. —Ars Technica, 2 Jan. 2025

Nye said decades of historical records indicate the mine has significant quantities of tungsten, silver and molybdenum, a metal often used to strengthen others. —Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 28 Nov. 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