rare-earth element

[rair-urth] /ˈrɛərˈɜrθ/

noun, Chemistry

any of a group of closely related metallic elements, comprising the lanthanides, scandium, and yttrium, that are chemically similar by virtue of having the same number of valence electrons.

Also called rare-earth metal.

Origin

1955-60

rare-earth element in Medicine

rare-earth element n.
See lanthanide.

rare-earth element in Science

rare-earth element

(râr'ûrth')
See lanthanide.