A silvery metallic element with the symbol Mo, used to strengthen steel alloys and as a catalyst in chemical processes. It has one of the highest melting points of all elements.
From New Latin molybdenum, from Greek μολύβδαινα (molybdaina) meaning 'lead ore,' from μόλυβδος (molybdos) meaning 'lead.' The element was long confused with lead ore and graphite before being identified as distinct in 1778. Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele named it after recognizing it was not lead despite similar appearance.
Molybdenum was mistaken for lead for over 2,000 years because they look so similar, but it's actually one of the strongest elements on Earth with a melting point of 4,753°F! The mix-up was so complete that the name still means 'lead-like,' even though molybdenum is used to make steel strong enough for skyscrapers and spacecraft - the opposite of soft, bendable lead.
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