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

These include lithium, magnesium, manganese, cobalt and rare earth elements that are essential for electronics and clean energy. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 14 July 2026

In the first half-year, China's fastest-growing export categories were semiconductors, rare earths, autos and ships, while laggards included toys, footwear, steel and furniture. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 14 July 2026

Planetary scientists have also spotted sites that could hold rare earth metals while looking through data taken from lunar orbit. — Clive Neal, The Conversation, 14 July 2026

Another challenge is that the EV segment relies heavily on rare earths imported from China, giving Indian two-wheeler makers little control over supply and pricing. — Anu Raghunathan, Forbes.com, 9 July 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