rare-earth element

[ rair-urth ]
/ ˈrɛərˈɜrθ /

noun Chemistry.

any of a group of closely related metallic elements, comprising the lanthanides, scandium, and yttrium, that are chemically similar by virtue of having the same number of valence electrons.
Also called rare-earth metal.

Origin of rare-earth element

First recorded in 1955–60

Words nearby rare-earth element

Medical definitions for rare-earth element

rare-earth element

n.

lanthanide

Scientific definitions for rare-earth element

rare-earth element
[ râr′ûrth ]

See lanthanide.