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

But this toxic waste may also be a treasure trove of the rare earth elements needed to propel the world toward clean energy. —Andrew Torgan, CNN, 8 Dec. 2024

China's rare earth metal restrictions also come only six weeks before the inauguration of Donald Trump, and concerns that his presidency will initiate a new period of trade warfare between the countries. —Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024

China is the dominant producer of rare earth metals, including critical minerals that are needed for semiconductor and other advanced technology production. —Britney Nguyen, Quartz, 3 Dec. 2024

Even in 2010-2012, when the territorial dispute between the two sides was hot and Beijing temporarily blocked shipments of rare earths to Japan, companies still increased their stock of investment by an average of 13% each year. —Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2024

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