dopant

noun

dop·​ant ˈdō-pənt 

: an impurity added usually in minute amounts to a pure substance to alter its properties (such as conductivity)

Examples of dopant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Instead of remaining active after transferring an electron, the chemical dopant breaks down, removing its reaction products from the process. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026

In MOSFETs, chipmakers use high heat to make sure dopants are located precisely where they are needed to be in the silicon crystal to create p-n junctions. — IEEE Spectrum, 27 May 2026

So, a lot of people have tried developing dopants—chemicals that can be mixed in small quantities that change the behavior of the bulk material. — ArsTechnica, 23 Apr. 2026

The key has been developing processes to add dopants without degrading these properties. — New Atlas, 30 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

dope entry 2

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above