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rhenium

noun
rhe·​ni·​um | \ ˈrÄ“-nÄ“-É™m How to pronounce rhenium (audio) \

Definition of rhenium

: a rare heavy metallic element that is obtained either as a gray powder or as a silver-white hard metal, is usually extracted as a by-product of molybdenum smelting, and is used especially in catalysts and alloys — see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of rhenium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 For example, the DoD is pushing to improve the recovery of rhenium, a rare earth element that is key to produce the new stealth Joint Strike Fighters for its exceptional heat-resistant properties. — Lorenzo Franceschi-bicchierai, WIRED, "To Keep Stealth Edge, Pentagon Looks for New Ways to Mine ‘Rare Earths’," 7 Aug. 2012

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rhenium.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of rhenium

1925, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for rhenium

New Latin, from Latin Rhenus Rhine River

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More Definitions for rhenium

rhenium

noun
rhe·​ni·​um | \ ˈrÄ“-nÄ“-É™m How to pronounce rhenium (audio) \

Medical Definition of rhenium

: a rare heavy metallic element that resembles manganese, is obtained either as a powder or as a silver-white hard metal, and is used in catalysts for dehydrogenation and in thermocouples —symbol Re — see Chemical Elements Table

More from Merriam-Webster on rhenium

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rhenium

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