semiconductor

noun

semi·​con·​duc·​tor ˌse-mē-kən-ˈdək-tər 

ˌse-ˌmī-,

-mi-

: any of a class of solids (such as germanium or silicon) whose electrical conductivity is between that of a conductor and that of an insulator in being nearly as great as that of a metal at high temperatures and nearly absent at low temperatures

Did you know?

A semiconductor is a crystal material whose ability to conduct electricity rises as its temperature goes up. That is, it sometimes acts as a conductor and sometimes as an insulator. Its conducting ability can be much increased by chemical treatment. A manufactured chip of silicon, less than half an inch square, may contain millions of microscopic transistors, which can serve control and memory functions when installed in a computer, automobile, cell phone, DVD player, or microwave oven.

Examples of semiconductor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Proponents say the change is needed to protect essential uses of PFAS in things such as medical devices and semiconductors. —Sarah Bowman, The Indianapolis Star, 12 June 2024

How Silicon Valley Lost the Chips Race Money alone won’t revive the U.S. semiconductor industry. —Larry Diamond, Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2024

The chipmaker has seen soaring demand for its semiconductors, which are used to power artificial intelligence applications. —CBS News, 10 June 2024

Even early on, these semiconductor detectors were far more sensitive than chemical ones. —Phil Plait, Scientific American, 7 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

semiconductor

noun

semi·​con·​duc·​tor ˌsem-i-kən-ˈdək-tər 

ˌsem-ˌī-

: any of a class of solids (as germanium) that have an ability to conduct electricity between that of a conductor and that of an insulator

semiconducting

-tiŋ

adjective

Medical Definition

semiconductor

noun

semi·​con·​duc·​tor -kən-ˈdək-tər 

: any of a class of solids (as germanium or silicon) whose electrical conductivity is between that of a conductor and that of an insulator in being nearly as great as that of a metal at high temperatures and nearly absent at low temperatures