1. A series of 15 metallic chemical elements with atomic numbers 57 through 71, characterized by similar chemical properties and the filling of f-orbitals in their electron configuration.
Usage: Also called rare earth elements or rare earth metals.; Includes lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, promethium, samarium, europium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, and lutetium.; Used in chemistry, materials science, and physics.

Examples

• The lanthanides are essential components in modern electronics and renewable energy technologies.
• Scientists study the lanthanides to understand their unique magnetic and optical properties.
• Lanthanides are used in the production of permanent magnets for wind turbines.
• The lanthanides series begins with lanthanum and ends with lutetium.
• Many lanthanides are mined in China, making them strategically important materials.
• The chemical similarity among lanthanides makes them difficult to separate from one another.