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

Quantum dots are ultra-small semiconductor particles that can absorb and re-emit light at specific wavelengths, boosting solar panel efficiency by tuning sunlight to the spectrum cells use best. —Dianne Plummer, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025

Piper Sandler reiterates Broadcom as overweight Piper Sandler raised its price target on the semiconductor stock to $315 per share from $300. —Michael Bloom, CNBC, 22 Aug. 2025

Applied Materials, a tech titan in the semiconductor equipment industry, is the primary tenant in the office complex. —George Avalos, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2025

However, in a political plot twist, Sanders, considered a progressive, has lined up behind his foe’s plan to turn multibillion-dollar semiconductor subsidies into government equity stakes in private companies. —Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2025

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