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

Researchers revealed that the project covers the entire development chain – from innovative semiconductors and high-performance power modules to integration into key components such as on-board chargers and traction inverters. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 12 Feb. 2026

Turning to domestic chipmakers for less advanced semiconductors also doesn’t fix the problem for these AI model developers. —John Liu, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026

Astera Labs — Shares plunged 12% after the semiconductor manufacturer gave first-quarter earnings guidance that only narrowly beat expectations. —Sarah Min, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2026

Earlier versions of this technology were announced in 2018 by Qualcomm and showed how integrating advanced semiconductors can level up cars by adding collusion avoidance and emergency brake alerts. —Noelle Harff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Feb. 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