a polyvalent metallic element that resembles chromium and tungsten in its properties; used to strengthen and harden steel
A chemical element (symbol Mo) with an atomic number of 42: a silvery metal, not found as a free element, used in steel alloys.
The name molybdenum comes from Ancient Greek words for lead, which originally referred to any substance resembling that metal. This ancient term likely derives from an Anatolian root meaning "dark," possibly related to the element's graphite-like appearance.