semimetal

noun

semi·​met·​al ˌse-mē-ˈme-tᵊl How to pronounce semimetal (audio)
ˌse-ˌmī-,
-mi-
: an element (such as arsenic) possessing metallic properties in an inferior degree and not malleable
semimetallic
ˌse-mē-mə-ˈta-lik How to pronounce semimetal (audio)
ˌse-ˌmī-
-mi-
adjective

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web But something that behaves like the Weyl fermion did show up in 2015, in a topological material made of exotic elements known as a Weyl semimetal. Devin Powell, Discover Magazine, 20 Mar. 2019 Researchers have since made monolayers of metals, semimetals, insulators and more, but magnetism was the final holdout. Sylvia Morrow, Discover Magazine, 1 Feb. 2018 Now physicists may finally observed this phenomenon, mixed axial-gravitational anomaly, in a class of exotic materials known as Weyl semimetals. Kenneth Chang, New York Times, 19 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'semimetal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1661, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of semimetal was in 1661

Dictionary Entries Near semimetal

Cite this Entry

“Semimetal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/semimetal. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.

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