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 Some containing chromium among other constituents, such as nickel and molybdenum, are more corrosion-resistant than others, forming an impervious and protective molecular-scale surface barrier of chromium oxide. Carlton Reid, WIRED, 16 Feb. 2024 Other proteins supply these two components with metal clusters, containing iron and sometimes molybdenum. Matthew Hutson, The New Yorker, 6 Feb. 2024 This nitrogenase uses only iron, without molybdenum or vanadium. Matthew Hutson, The New Yorker, 6 Feb. 2024 The remaining 10 essential plant nutrients — boron, calcium, chlorine, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, sulfur and zinc — are needed in much lower quantities. Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Feb. 2024 It’s made from a type of material called a MXene—characterized by a metal like titanium or molybdenum bonded with carbides or nitrides. IEEE Spectrum, 21 Sep. 2018 For their memristor, the team switched the two-dimensional molybdenum ditelluride film between its semiconducting phase, with high resistance, and its semimetal phase, with low resistance. IEEE Spectrum, 2 Jan. 2024 This kosher, non-GMO, and allergen-friendly supplement provide you with 600 mg of NAC per capsule, alongside minerals molybdenum and selenium, which can help convert NAC to glutathione. Casey Seiden, Ms, Rdn, Cdn, Health, 22 Aug. 2023 To do that, scientists use a reactive catalyst made of molybdenum carbide, a compound of extremely high-melting molybdenum and carbon. Caroline Delbert, Popular Mechanics, 17 July 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'molybdenum.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 18 Mar. 2024.

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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