Definition of helium
: a light colorless inert gaseous element found especially in natural gases and used chiefly for inflating airships and balloons, in lamps, in cryogenic research, and as a component of inert atmospheres (as in welding) — see element table
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Recent Examples of helium from the Web
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According to the Tribune, asphyxiation with helium is a method promoted by the Final Exit Network, a non-profit that offers information to people who suffer from terminal illness and want to commit suicide.
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The company, in collaboration with medical doctor Edgar End, made helium-air mixtures for less risky breathing underwater.
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The country is also the single largest exporter of helium -- a gas with uses ranging from balloons to magnetic resonance imaging equipment -- and supplies about 30 percent of the global market, according to an IHS Markit report emailed on June 23.
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Qatar is now shipping helium on tankers, QP’s Al Kaabi said.
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As the sun rises, a helium truck will fill it with the gas of 44,000 party balloons.
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Pumps create a vacuum, and a liquid helium and nitrogen cooling system drives the temperature down to --440°F, not far from absolute zero, the thermal floor at which most molecular motion stops.
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That sharp divide likely comes from the planet formation process, Fulton said: Planets' rocky cores form from smaller pieces, and then the protoplanet's gravity attracts hydrogen and helium gas.
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The actress, who has been married to Bruce Willis and Ashton Kutcher, also shared a Snapchat video of herself at the dentist’s office which led to Fallon inviting her to inhale helium and speak in a weird high voice about her new movie.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'helium.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of helium
New Latin, from Greek hēlios
HELIUM Defined for English Language Learners
helium
playDefinition of helium for English Language Learners
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: a chemical element that is a colorless gas, that is lighter than air, and that is often used to fill balloons
HELIUM Defined for Kids
helium
playDefinition of helium for Students
: a very light gaseous chemical element that is found in various natural gases, will not burn, and is used in balloons
Medical Dictionary
helium
playMedical Definition of helium
: a light colorless nonflammable gaseous element found especially in natural gases and used chiefly for inflating airships and balloons, for filling incandescent lamps, and for cryogenic research—symbol He; see element table
Learn More about helium
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Spanish Central: Translation of helium Nglish: Translation of helium for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of helium for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about helium
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