rare earth
"Rare earth" refers to a group of 17 metallic elements essential for various high-tech applications, despite their misleading name suggesting scarcity.
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Definition
C1Chemistry
(technical)A group of 17 metallic elements, including 15 lanthanides plus scandium and yttrium, known for their similar chemical properties.
Example
- Rare earth elements like neodymium and dysprosium are crucial for manufacturing powerful magnets.
C1Materials Science
(technical)Metallic elements used in high-tech applications due to their unique magnetic, luminescent, and catalytic properties.
Example
- Rare earth materials are vital for the production of electric vehicle batteries and wind turbines.
C1Geology
(technical)Elements that are widely distributed in the Earth's crust but not often found in concentrated deposits.
Example
- Despite their name, rare earth elements are relatively abundant but challenging to extract in pure form.