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

The president in August threatened 100% levies on chips and semiconductors but said companies that have committed to building domestically would avoid such a charge. —Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2026

The firm is also less likely to see a need to raise capital as compared to smaller competitors, given the profitability of its other businesses, and funding from Beijing’s backing of the domestic semiconductor industry. —Dylan Butts, CNBC, 15 Jan. 2026

Industrial capacity still depends on the ability to design, build, and maintain the physical infrastructure of modern life—chillers, aircraft, rockets, semiconductors, power grids, and data centers. —Paul Eremenko, Fortune, 14 Jan. 2026

The fund aims to invest in semiconductor research, design and manufacturing in Texas. —Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 14 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for semiconductor

• superconductor
• abductor
• conductor
• constructor
• destructor
• inductor
• instructor

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