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

Lawler cited rare earth minerals and Arctic waterways as key factors in the push to acquire Greenland. —Hans Nichols, Axios, 17 Jan. 2025

The region holds vast deposits of rare earth minerals crucial for renewable energy technology. —Deena Zaidi, Quartz, 16 Jan. 2025

China currently controls roughly 60% of the world’s production of rare earth minerals and materials, according to a recent report by Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. —Natasha Turak, CNBC, 15 Jan. 2025

As Arctic ice continues to melt due to climate change, Greenland's rare earth minerals, oil, and gas reserves are becoming more accessible. —Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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