selenium

noun se·le·ni·um \sə-ˈlē-nē-əm\

: a chemical element that is used in electronic devices to make them sensitive to light

Full Definition of SELENIUM

: a photosensitive element that occurs in both crystalline and amorphous forms, is obtained chiefly as a by-product in copper refining, and is used especially in glass, semiconductor devices, and alloys — see element table

See selenium defined for English-language learners

See selenium defined for kids

Origin of SELENIUM

New Latin, from Greek selēnē moon, from selas brightness

First Known Use: 1818

Rhymes with SELENIUM

hymenium, proscenium, ruthenium

SELENIUM Defined for Kids

selenium

noun se·le·ni·um \sə-ˈlē-nē-əm\

Definition of SELENIUM for Kids

: a gray powdery chemical element used chiefly in electronic devices

Medical Dictionary

selenium

noun se·le·ni·um \sə-ˈlē-nē-əm\

Medical Definition of SELENIUM

: a nonmetallic photosensitive element that occurs in both crystalline and amorphous forms, is an essential trace element found especially in grains and meat, and is used chiefly in glass, semiconductor devices, and alloys—symbol Se; see element table, selenosis