molybdenum

noun

mo·​lyb·​de·​num mə-ˈlib-də-nəm How to pronounce molybdenum (audio)
: a metallic element that resembles chromium and tungsten in many properties, is used especially in strengthening and hardening steel, and is a trace element in plant and animal metabolism see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of molybdenum 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.
Peru is the top source of U.S. molybdenum ore and concentrates, accounting for nearly two-thirds of imports, followed by Mexico (18 percent) and Chile (12 percent). Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025 In a separate statement Tuesday, Chinese commerce ministry and customs officials announced to impose export controls on items related to tungsten, tellurium, ruthenium, molybdenum and ruthenium. Anniek Bao, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2025 And the commerce ministry and customs administration jointly announced fresh export controls on a handful of rare metals, including tungsten, indium and molybdenum. John Ruwitch, NPR, 4 Feb. 2025 Minerals such as iron, calcium, iodine, magnesium, selenium, copper, molybdenum, and manganese can lead to serious side effects if consumed in excess. Sarah Anzlovar, Ms, Verywell Health, 15 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for molybdenum 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from molybdena, a lead ore, molybdenite, molybdenum, from Latin molybdaena galena, from Greek molybdaina, from molybdos lead

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of molybdenum was in 1794

Dictionary Entries Near molybdenum

Cite this Entry

“Molybdenum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/molybdenum. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

molybdenum

noun
mo·​lyb·​de·​num mə-ˈlib-də-nəm How to pronounce molybdenum (audio)
: a metallic element used in steel alloys to give greater strength and hardness see element

Medical Definition

molybdenum

noun
mo·​lyb·​de·​num -də-nəm How to pronounce molybdenum (audio)
: a metallic element that resembles chromium and tungsten in many properties, is used especially in strengthening and hardening steel, and is a trace element in plant and animal metabolism
symbol Mo
see Chemical Elements Table

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