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

Examples of rare earth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Copper, like rare earth minerals — which also play a critical role in the production of various goods from semiconductors to military hardware — is coming under pressure as supply is being outpaced by surging demand. Chloe Taylor,charlotte Reed, CNBC, 18 Dec. 2025 Similar geological formations account for roughly 35–40 percent of China’s total rare earth production and more than 70 percent of the world’s heavy rare earth supply. Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 12 Dec. 2025 In addition to its strategic defense location, rare earths are even a reason Trump continues to show interest in annexing Greenland from Denmark. Jordan Blum, Fortune, 9 Dec. 2025 On a visit to China, Germany’s foreign minister warned against Chinese subsidized EVs flooding the EU market, while suggesting some progress in rare earth talks with Beijing. semafor.com, 8 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rare earth

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rare earth was in 1875

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Cite this Entry

“Rare earth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rare%20earth. Accessed 23 Dec. 2025.

Medical Definition

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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