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molybdenum
noun
mo·lyb·de·num
mə-ˈlib-də-nəm
: 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
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.
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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
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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
Phrases Containing molybdenum
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
: 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
: 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
More from Merriam-Webster on molybdenum
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about molybdenum
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