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

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

That matters as domestic industries seek alternatives to foreign rare earth supply chains. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026

China holds a trump card in rare earths — critical minerals necessary for making many items, from smartphones to electric vehicles and fighter jets. — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

Fenrir has a mining project in Minas Gerais, a state in the southeast, focused on the exploration of elements including rare earths. — ABC News, 20 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