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.
Countries begin hoarding not just oil, but semiconductors, rare earths, and food. Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025 Lynas Rare Earths explores and mines for rare earth minerals such as cerium and neodymium. Sam Meredith,dylan Butts, CNBC, 20 June 2025 The past few weeks alone have seen swings in U.S. tariffs and China’s shifting stance on rare earth minerals, underscoring a broader trend: global commerce is increasingly volatile, redrawn by geopolitics, climate, and conflict. Samsurin Welch, Harvard Business Review, 18 June 2025 Advertisement Crucially, however, not all rare earths are created equal. Charlie Campbell, Time, 17 June 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 1 Jul. 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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