rare earth
noun /ˌreər ˈɜːθ/
/ˌrer ˈɜːrθ/
(also rare earth element)
- any one of a group of chemical elements that have similar properties and tend to occur together in nature
- We import all of our rare earths from China.
- The bones were analysed for their rare earth element contents.
- Rare earth metals are used in virtually every electronic device.