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

America has seen in semiconductors, 5G, and other strategic industries that restrictions alone cannot permanently stall China’s ambitions. — Patrick McHenry, STAT, 30 Sep. 2026

Farley said some battery-equipment maintenance is closer to work found in semiconductor fabrication than in a traditional auto plant. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2026

In contrast, South Korea’s economy gained traction on the back of strong semiconductor exports, while capital from the Middle East has continued to flow into financial centers like Hong Kong and Singapore amid prolonged geopolitical friction. — Hok-Hang Cheung, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 2026

FormFactor — Shares were higher by 1% after Deutsche Bank initiated coverage of the semiconductor testing company with a buy rating. — Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for semiconductor

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

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