molybdenum: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “molybdenum” mean?
A silvery-white metallic chemical element (symbol Mo, atomic number 42) that is very hard and has a very high melting point.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A silvery-white metallic chemical element (symbol Mo, atomic number 42) that is very hard and has a very high melting point.
It is used primarily to make alloys stronger and more heat-resistant, notably in steel production. It is also an essential trace element in biology.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Pronunciation differs slightly.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, confined to specialist fields.
Grammar
How to Use “molybdenum” in a Sentence
[The ore] contains molybdenum.Alloy [steel] with molybdenum.[The process] requires molybdenum.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “molybdenum” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The molybdenum-bearing ore was shipped for processing.
- They tested a molybdenum-coated substrate.
American English
- The molybdenum-containing catalyst improved the reaction.
- They ordered molybdenum-based alloys.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in reports on mining commodities or specialised manufacturing.
Academic
Common in chemistry, metallurgy, materials science, and geology papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
The primary register. Used precisely to specify a material property or component.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “molybdenum”
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “molybdenum”
- Misspelling as 'molybdenium' or 'molybenum'.
- Mispronouncing the stress (e.g., /ˈmɒl.ɪb/ instead of /məˈlɪb/).
- Confusing it with manganese (Mn) or magnesium (Mg).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is not particularly rare but is rarely found in its pure form. It is typically obtained as a byproduct of copper mining.
Its primary use is as an alloying agent in steel to increase strength, hardness, and resistance to wear and heat. It is also used in chemicals, lubricants, and as a trace element in fertilisers.
Yes, it is an essential trace element for both plants and animals. It acts as a cofactor for several important enzymes in the human body.
The stress is on the second syllable: muh-LIB-duh-num. The 'y' is pronounced as a short 'i' (/ɪ/).
A silvery-white metallic chemical element (symbol Mo, atomic number 42) that is very hard and has a very high melting point.
Molybdenum is usually technical/scientific in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'Molly-B-Denum': Molly found a bright, dense (den) metal (um).
Conceptual Metaphor
STRENGTH/ENDURANCE (as in 'molybdenum strengthens steel').
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'molybdenum' LEAST likely to be used?