germanium

noun

ger·​ma·​ni·​um (ˌ)jər-ˈmā-nē-əm 

: a grayish-white hard brittle metalloid element that resembles silicon and is used especially in optical and semiconductor materials and as a catalyst see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of germanium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Supply of germanium, used in fiber-optic networks, infrared defense systems, and semiconductors, is dominated by China, which produces about 60% of global output and has restricted exports since 2023. — Ruben Nyanguila, semafor.com, 31 July 2026

Similar patterns exist across graphite, gallium, germanium and other materials that are essential to semiconductors, defense technologies and advanced manufacturing. — Anthony Milewski, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

Likewise, natural germanium contains several isotopes, including germanium-73. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 26 July 2026

Current space-grade solar panels rely on germanium substrates, whose supply is concentrated in China. — IEEE Spectrum, 11 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Medieval Latin Germania Germany

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for germanium

• cranium
• geranium
• titanium
• uranium
• transuranium

Kids Definition

germanium

noun

ger·​ma·​ni·​um (ˌ)jər-ˈmā-nē-əm 

: a grayish white hard brittle element used especially as a semiconductor see element

Medical Definition

germanium

noun

ger·​ma·​ni·​um (ˌ)jər-ˈmā-nē-əm 

: a grayish white hard brittle metalloid element that resembles silicon and is used as a semiconductor

—symbol Ge see Chemical Elements Table