rare earth

noun

1

: any of a group of similar oxides of metals or a mixture of such oxides occurring together in widely distributed but relatively scarce minerals

2

: rare earth element

Examples of rare earth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

China has also steadily expanded its own use of export controls, particularly regarding rare earth minerals. —Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 26 Apr. 2026

Cuba has no oil, no rare earths, no major natural resources. —Carlos Manuel Alvarez, Time, 24 Apr. 2026

Lutnick said of the decision to transform Intel’s $10 billion grant into an investment, which served as a template for other transactions in rare earth and defense industries. —Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 22 Apr. 2026

The post-oil economy will have to be powered by something, though, so the Eye of Sauron will turn its gaze elsewhere — and because the infrastructure underpinning renewable energy relies on critical minerals and rare earth elements (REEs), places with access to them will fall within its sights. —Big Think, 22 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rare earth

• afterbirth
• berth
• birth
• dearth
• firth
• girth
• mirth
• worth
• childbirth
• rebirth
• stillbirth
• tamworth

Medical Definition

rare earth

noun

ˌrer-ˈərth 

1

: any of a group of similar oxides of metals or a mixture of such oxides occurring together in widely distributed but relatively scarce minerals

2

: rare earth element