First Known Use: 1872
Dictionary
helium
noun he·li·um \ˈhē-lē-əm, ˈhēl-yəm\
: a chemical element that is a colorless gas, that is lighter than air, and that is often used to fill balloons
Full Definition of HELIUM
: a light colorless inert gaseous element found especially in natural gases and used chiefly for inflating airships and balloons, in lamps, in cryogenic research, and as a component of inert atmospheres (as in welding) — see element table
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Origin of HELIUM
New Latin, from Greek hēlios
HELIUM Defined for Kids
helium
noun he·li·um \ˈhē-lē-əm\
Definition of HELIUM for Kids
: a very light gaseous chemical element that is found in various natural gases, will not burn, and is used in balloons
Medical Dictionary
helium
noun he·li·um \ˈhē-lē-əm\
Medical Definition of HELIUM
: a light colorless nonflammable gaseous element found especially in natural gases and used chiefly for inflating airships and balloons, for filling incandescent lamps, and for cryogenic research—symbol He; see element table
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