# molybdenum

/məˈɫɪbdɪnəm/ (US) · /məlˈɪbdənəm/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/molybdenum
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

a hard, silver-white metal used to make strong steel and other materials. It is often found in rocks and is very useful in machines and engines.

For teachers: a hard, silver-white, metallic element with a high melting point, used in alloys to increase strength and resistance to heat. It is typically found in minerals such as molybdenite.

## Examples

- The engine block is made of a steel alloy containing molybdenum.
- Engineers added molybdenum to the alloy to ensure the turbine blades could withstand the extreme temperatures of the jet engine.
- While molybdenum is relatively rare in the Earth's crust, its unique properties make it an essential component in high-performance industrial applications, particularly in the aerospace and automotive sectors.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.