adj.
Pronunciation: ' rer
Function: adjective
Inflected Form: rar · er ; rar · est
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin rarus
Date: 14th century
1 : marked by wide separation of component particles : THIN < rare air>
2 a : marked by unusual quality, merit, or appeal : DISTINCTIVE b : superlative or extreme of its kind
3 : seldom occurring or found : UNCOMMON
synonyms see CHOICE , INFREQUENT
– rare · ness noun