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

Water Could Be The First Asteroid Resource Economy The SpaceX filing highlights metals, rare earth elements and water. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

The Army recently launched initiatives focused on rare earth elements, critical minerals processing, and advanced manufacturing. — Marc Andersen, Fortune, 30 June 2026

University of Michigan researchers have found that the US and Canada may have enough rare earth deposits for self-supply negating the need for imports, if developed. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 28 June 2026

China says the export control does not affect commercial goods, but trade data show exports of rare earths magnets from China have declined since. — ABC News, 24 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rare earth

• afterbirth
• berth
• birth
• dearth
• firth
• girth
• mirth
• worth
• childbirth
• rebirth
• stillbirth
• tamworth

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