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

But backing Micron is an example of how the government is betting on domestic companies, many of which have been around since the dawn of industrial semiconductor development, to lead the charge in manufacturing. —Dylan Sloan, Fortune, 25 Apr. 2024

Tesla has also signed a strategic deal with Tata Electronics to make semiconductor chips for the EV maker’s global operations, according to the Economic Times. —William Gavin, Quartz, 23 Apr. 2024

The funding comes from the CHIPS and Science Act, signed by President Joe Biden in August 2022, which authorized government subsidies for semiconductor companies to expand domestically. —Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 18 Apr. 2024

Understanding the need for advanced process control in semiconductor chip manufacturing, the company decided to reboot the product portfolio and start over from scratch. —Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 18 Apr. 2024

Intel announced in January a $20 billion investment to build a semiconductor plant in central Ohio, creating at least 10,000 new jobs as a result. —Brian T. Allen, National Review, 18 Apr. 2024

At present, the bioeconomy generates at least 5% of U.S. GDP; in comparison, semiconductors only constitute around 1% of U.S. GDP. —Eric Schmidt, TIME, 16 Apr. 2024

China is currently trying to move the economy toward higher-value sectors like new-energy vehicles, green energy, and semiconductors. —Lionel Lim, Fortune Asia, 16 Apr. 2024

This included the semiconductor crisis, which forced carmakers to cut out production of C-segment brands, offering BYD the opportunity of an impatient customer base. —Ryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 16 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

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