noun
- plural of lanthanon; a group of 15 metallic chemical elements with atomic numbers 57 through 71, characterized by similar chemical properties and used in electronics, magnets, and catalysts
Usage: also called lanthanides; technical/chemistry term; the lanthanons include lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, and others through lutetium
Examples
- The lanthanons are essential materials in modern technology and renewable energy applications.
- Scientists study the properties of lanthanons to develop stronger permanent magnets.
- Lanthanons are used in catalytic converters to reduce vehicle emissions.
- The lanthanons occupy a special place in the periodic table between barium and hafnium.
- Mining operations extract lanthanons from rare earth ore deposits around the world.
- Lanthanons have similar chemical behavior because they fill their f-electron orbitals.