Main Entry: mo·lyb·de·num

Pronunciation: \-nəm\

Function: noun

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

Date: 1814

: 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 element table