lanthanum

noun

lan·​tha·​num ˈlan(t)-thə-nəm How to pronounce lanthanum (audio)
: a white soft malleable metallic element that occurs in rare-earth minerals see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of lanthanum 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.
Sourcing solutions Rare earth elements like lanthanum, neodymium and terbium are used in powering several clean energy technologies, including electric vehicles and wind turbines. Devika Rao, theweek, 1 Oct. 2024 Rare earth elements, such as lanthanum, neodymium and terbium, are critical for helping the world break its long, destructive relationship with planet-heating fossil fuels. Laura Paddison, CNN, 24 Sep. 2024 The aquatic plant contains the elements platinum and rhodium, along with rare-earth elements like neodymium, lanthanum, yttrium and dysprosium. Devika Rao, theweek, 22 May 2024 Since 2015 a working group at the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry has been refereeing a debate over which elements should go in the third column of the table: lanthanum and actinium (elements 57 and 89) or lutetium and lawrencium (71 and 103). Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 14 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for lanthanum 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek lanthanein to escape notice — more at latent

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lanthanum was in 1841

Dictionary Entries Near lanthanum

Cite this Entry

“Lanthanum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lanthanum. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

lanthanum

noun
lan·​tha·​num ˈlan(t)-thə-nəm How to pronounce lanthanum (audio)
: a white soft metallic element see element

Medical Definition

lanthanum

noun
lan·​tha·​num -nəm How to pronounce lanthanum (audio)
: a white soft malleable metallic element that occurs in rare-earth minerals
symbol La
see Chemical Elements Table

More from Merriam-Webster on lanthanum

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!