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molybdenum

molybdenum definition

mo·lyb·de·num (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

Etymology: 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

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