molybdenum

/mɔ'libdinəm/

Thân thiện

A scientist holds a small sample of molybdenum in a laboratory.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A polyvalent metallic element: Molybdenum is a chemical element with the symbol Mo and atomic number 42. It is a hard, silvery-grey metal in the second transition series, known for its high melting point and strength. It is used primarily to strengthen and harden steel alloys.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Molybdenum is an essential trace element for some enzymes.
  • The alloy contains a small percentage of molybdenum to increase its corrosion resistance.
  • They mine molybdenum ore in that region.

Advanced Usage

• Technical/Industrial Context: The term is most commonly used in metallurgy, chemistry, and engineering.
  • The addition of molybdenum creates a high-strength, low-alloy steel.
• Biological Context: Refers to the element as a necessary nutrient.
  • Nitrogen fixation in plants requires molybdenum.

Variants and Related Words

• Molybdate (noun): A salt or ester of molybdic acid.
• Molybdenite (noun): The principal ore mineral for molybdenum (molybdenum disulfide, MoS₂).
• Molybdic (adjective): Relating to or containing molybdenum, especially in a high valence state.

Synonyms

• Element 42: Referring to its atomic number.
• Mo: Its chemical symbol (used informally in technical contexts).

Related Phrases and Compounds

• Molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂): A compound used as a dry lubricant.
• Molybdenum steel: A type of steel alloyed with molybdenum for enhanced properties.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a polyvalent metallic element that resembles chromium and tungsten in its properties; used to strengthen and harden steel

Từ đồng nghĩa

• Mo
• atomic number 42