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; includes lanthanum through lutetium.
Usage: Also called lanthanides.; Plural form; singular is lanthanoid.; Used in chemistry and materials science.

Examples

• Lanthanoids are essential components in modern electronics and renewable energy technologies.
• The lanthanoids exhibit similar chemical behavior due to their comparable electron configurations.
• Cerium and neodymium are two important lanthanoids used in industrial applications.
• Scientists study lanthanoids to develop stronger permanent magnets.
• The lanthanoids are found together in nature and are difficult to separate from one another.