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molybdenum

(mə lib′də nəm)

noun

a very hard, lustrous, silver-white metallic chemical element, used in alloys, points for spark plugs, etc.: symbol, Mo; at. no., 42

Origin: ModL: so named (1781) by K. W. Scheele (see scheelite) after its isolation by P. J. Hjelm (1746-1813), Swed chemist < molybdaena, molybdenite, term used because of resemblance to lead ore < L molybdaena, lead, galena < Gr molybdaina, piece of lead < molybdos, lead

See molybdenum in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun Symbol Mo

A hard, silvery-white metallic element used to toughen alloy steels and soften tungsten alloy. An essential trace element in plant nutrition, it is used in fertilizers, dyes, enamels, and reagents. Atomic number 42; atomic weight 95.94; melting point 2,617°C; boiling point 4,612°C; specific gravity 10.22 (at 20°C); valence 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. See Table at element.

Origin:

Origin: New Latin

Origin: , from earlier molybdena, lead ore

Origin: , from Latin molybdaena, galena

Origin: , from Greek molubdaina

Origin: , from molubdos, lead

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