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

Even if China and the United States patch up their vulnerabilities in chips and rare earths, respectively, the two countries’ broader connections ensure that other areas of interdependence will remain. — Da Wei, Foreign Affairs, 7 Sep. 2026

The companies also outlined their intentions to explore additional heavy rare earth recycling opportunities at the Missouri site. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2026

Brazil has the world’s second-largest reserves of rare earth elements, used in a wide range of products, including smartphones, electric vehicles, solar panels and jet engines. — ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026

Beijing, however, holds counter-leverage through its dominance of the rare earths used in humanoid actuators and motors, Wang said. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 26 Aug. 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