selenium

noun

se·​le·​ni·​um sə-ˈlē-nē-əm How to pronounce selenium (audio)
: a photosensitive element that occurs in both crystalline and amorphous forms, is obtained chiefly as a by-product in copper refining, and is used especially in glass, semiconductor devices, and alloys see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of selenium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Similarly, sunflower seeds are rich in selenium, a mineral that helps preserve skin elasticity and prevent premature aging. Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 The soak is infused with mustard seed and rosemary and is rich in magnesium, selenium and antioxidants, a bath elixir that we’re told helps relieve pain and inflammation while boosting the immune system and promoting relaxation and overall well-being. Ben Davidson, The Mercury News, 26 Feb. 2024 Eggs Several nutrients can help your immune system, including vitamins A, C, D, and E, selenium, and zinc.4 Eggs are an option that has a few of those nutrients. Cynthia Sass, Mph, Rd, Health, 31 Oct. 2023 Testing by the utility identified selenium and thallium in the effluent there. Connor Giffin, The Courier-Journal, 23 Jan. 2024 Foods high in antioxidants such as vitamins C, D and E and minerals like zinc and selenium can benefit your immune system and overall health. Theara Coleman, theweek, 20 Jan. 2024 According to researchers of this 2021 study published in the Nutrients journal, by adding just one egg in the morning, including the yolk, intakes of pantothenic acid, riboflavin, selenium, and vitamin D increased over 10 percent. Brittany Edelmann, Discover Magazine, 9 Jan. 2024 Dates contain high levels of many minerals including potassium, magnesium, manganese, selenium, and copper. Christina Manian, Rdn, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 July 2023 Other nutrients in cottage cheese include phosphorus, selenium, and vitamin A. People with diabetes or insulin resistance can benefit from eating cottage cheese, according to Miranda Galati, MHSc, RD, founder of Real Life Nutritionist. Sarah Garone, Health, 21 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'selenium.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek selēnē moon, from selas brightness

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of selenium was in 1818

Dictionary Entries Near selenium

Cite this Entry

“Selenium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/selenium. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

selenium

noun
se·​le·​ni·​um sə-ˈlē-nē-əm How to pronounce selenium (audio)
: an element that is sensitive to light and is used especially in glass, alloys, and electronic devices see element

Medical Definition

selenium

noun
se·​le·​ni·​um sə-ˈlē-nē-əm How to pronounce selenium (audio)
: a nonmetallic photosensitive element that occurs in both crystalline and amorphous forms, is an essential trace element found especially in grains and meat, and is used chiefly in glass, semiconductor devices, and alloys
symbol Se
see Chemical Elements Table, selenosis

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