molybdenum
    n 1: a polyvalent metallic element that resembles chromium and
         tungsten in its properties; used to strengthen and harden
         steel [syn: molybdenum, Mo, atomic number 42]

Molybdenum \Mol`yb*de"num\, n. [NL.: cf. F. molybd[`e]ne. See
   Molybdena.] (Chem.)
   A rare element of the chromium group, occurring in nature in
   the minerals molybdenite and wulfenite, and when reduced
   obtained as a hard, silver-white, difficulty fusible metal.
   Symbol Mo. Atomic number 42. Atomic weight 95.94.
   [1913 Webster +PJC]

molybdenum
Symbol: Mo
Atomic number: 42
Atomic weight: 95.94
Silvery-white, hard metallic transition element. It is chemically
unreactive and is not affected by most acids. It oxidizes at high
temperatures. There are seven natural isotopes, and four radioisotopes,
Mo-93 being the most stable with a half-life of 3500 years. Molybdenum
is used in almost all high-strength steels, it has nuclear applications,
and is a catalyst in petroleum refining. Discovered in 1778 by Carl
Welhelm Scheele of Sweden. Impure metal was prepared in 1782 by Peter
Jacob Hjelm. The name comes from the Greek word molybdos which means
lead.
Trace amounts of molybdenum are required for all known forms of life.
All molybdenum compounds should be considered highly toxic, and will
also cause severe birth defects.