lanthanon

9.9

A metal with an atomic number from 57 to 71

noun
/ˈlanθənən/

Specialized

: lantánido

The lanthanon series includes elements like cerium and neodymium.

Examples

The rare earth element europium is a lanthanon used in television screens.
Chemists often study lanthanons because of their unique magnetic properties.
Cerium is one of the most common lanthanons found in nature.
Did you know that lanthanons are used in powerful magnets?
Cerium is one of the most common lanthanons found in nature.
The rare earth element europium is a lanthanon used in television screens.
Chemists often study lanthanons because of their unique magnetic properties.

Synonyms

rare earth

vslanthanon

Specialized

11 6.6

A group of metals used in electronics and industry

is defined by atomic numbers 57 to 71 rather than by industrial use

rare-earth element

vslanthanon

Specialized

1 6.3

A metal like neodymium used in electronics and strong magnets

is the chemical group identified by atomic numbers 57 to 71

lanthanide

vslanthanon

Specialized

1 9.9

A group of fifteen metals like cerium used in magnets and lasers

is defined specifically by atomic numbers 57 to 71 rather than properties

lanthanoid

vslanthanon

Specialized

9.9

One of fifteen metals used to make magnets and electronic parts

is defined by atomic numbers 57 to 71 rather than by occurrence

Surface Forms

lanthanon singular

lanthanons plural

Morphology

lanthanon = lanthanide (opaque) = lanthan + on

The combining form 'lanthan-' is not a standalone English word and the element-forming suffix '-on' is technical, so a typical B1 learner would not deduce the meaning from the parts.

Etymology

Lanthanon comes from an old Greek word lanthanein, which means 'to lie hidden'. Early chemists called these elements lanthanons because they were hard to find and seemed 'hidden' in rocks, so the name fits the group of similar rare elements we use today.