Dysprosium

//dɪsˈpɹoʊ.zi.əm// noun

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A metallic chemical element (symbol Dy) with atomic number 66: a rare earth element with a metallic silver lustre. Applications in human affairs include magnets with high performance, which are important in various machines with electric motors. uncountable

    "Caught in the middle of the U.S.-China trade war is a Chiclet-size magnet that is vital to every new electric vehicle on the road. The magnet is made with dysprosium. Atomic number 66. A rare-earth mineral with a silver metallic luster. More than 90% of refined dysprosium comes from China, and it is used in magnets that power everything from medical equipment to EV motors. In its retaliation against U.S. tariffs, China slowed exports of several rare-earth minerals and magnets this month, setting off a panic among U.S. automakers. “You cannot build the motor without the magnet,” said a senior automotive executive. “If we want electric-vehicle production to continue to happen in the United States, this has to be solved.”"

  2. 2
    a trivalent metallic element of the rare earth group; forms compounds that are highly magnetic wordnet

Etymology

From Ancient Greek δυσπρόσιτος (dusprósitos, “hard to get”) + -ium. Compare also unobtainium.

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