rare earth

noun

1

: any of a group of similar oxides of metals or a mixture of such oxides occurring together in widely distributed but relatively scarce minerals

2

: rare earth element

Examples of rare earth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

China also placed tariffs on U.S. automobiles and rare earth minerals. —Christian Datoc, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 10 Feb. 2025

Climate change and the loss of sea ice is opening up new shipping routes between the US and Europe; Greenland is rich in oil and gas as well as rare earth minerals needed for modern development — a market currently controlled by China. —Donie O'Sullivan, CNN, 9 Feb. 2025

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office last week, Trump said the United States wants Ukrainian rare earth minerals -- such as lithium, uranium and titanium -- in exchange for the security assistance that Ukraine depends on for its defense against Russia's invasion. —Isabelle Khurshudyan and Ellen Francis The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 9 Feb. 2025

Commenting on Trump’s interest in rare earth minerals, Zelenskyy told reporters in Kyiv on Tuesday that his country was open to investment by American companies, Reuters reported. —Alexander Smith, NBC News, 4 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

rare earth

noun

ˌrer-ˈərth 

1

: any of a group of similar oxides of metals or a mixture of such oxides occurring together in widely distributed but relatively scarce minerals

2

: rare earth element