Definition

1. Noun:
   • The compass point midway between south and east; at 135 degrees: A cardinal direction on the compass, specifically halfway between south and east.
   • A toxic nonmetallic element related to sulfur and tellurium; occurs in several allotropic forms; a stable grey metallike allotrope conducts electricity better in the light than in the dark and is used in photocells; occurs in sulfide ores (as pyrite): A chemical element with the symbol Se and atomic number 34. It is a brittle, nonmetal with properties similar to sulfur and tellurium.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Compass Point):
  • The ship sailed on a bearing of se.
  • The map indicated the treasure was located to the se of the island.
• Noun (Chemical Element):
  • Selenium (se) is an essential trace element for many organisms.
  • The photocell's efficiency relies on the properties of se.

Advanced Usage

• In technical contexts: The abbreviation "SE" (often capitalized) is commonly used for the compass point, while the chemical element is typically written with its full name "selenium" or the symbol "Se".
  • The wind is coming from the SE today.
  • The soil was tested for selenium (Se) content.

Variants and Related Words

• Selenium: The full name of the chemical element.
• Southeasterly: An adjective describing something coming from or going toward the southeast.
• Southeast: The more common term for the compass point, often abbreviated as SE.

Synonyms

• Southeast: For the compass point meaning.
• Chemical element Se: For the scientific meaning.

Notes on Different Meanings

• The two primary meanings of "se" are entirely distinct. One is a geographical/nautical term (compass point), and the other is a scientific term (chemical element). Context is crucial for determining which meaning is intended. The compass point is almost always capitalized (SE) in modern usage to distinguish it.

Noun

1. the compass point midway between south and east; at 135 degrees
2. a toxic nonmetallic element related to sulfur and tellurium; occurs in several allotropic forms; a stable grey metallike allotrope conducts electricity better in the light than in the dark and is used in photocells; occurs in sulfide ores (as pyrite)