selenium
/si'li:njəm/
Definition
- Noun:
- A chemical element: Selenium is a nonmetallic chemical element with the symbol Se and atomic number 34. It is chemically related to sulfur and tellurium.
- Properties and occurrence: It is a trace element that exists in several allotropic forms. A stable, gray, metallike form exhibits increased electrical conductivity when exposed to light. It is found in sulfide ores like pyrite.
Usage
- Selenium is primarily discussed in scientific, industrial, and nutritional contexts.
- It is used as a noun, typically preceded by articles like "the" or "some," or used in compound terms.
Examples
- Noun:
- Selenium is an essential micronutrient for many organisms.
- The photocell's operation relies on the photoconductive properties of selenium.
- High concentrations of selenium in soil can be toxic to plants.
Advanced Usage
- "Selenium deficiency": A lack of adequate selenium in the diet, which can lead to health problems.
- Selenium deficiency is linked to certain heart and muscle disorders.
- "Selenium rectifier": An early type of semiconductor device that uses selenium.
- Old radio equipment often contained selenium rectifiers.
Variants and Related Words
- Selenide (n): A compound containing selenium with a more electropositive element.
- Hydrogen selenide is a toxic gas.
- Selenate (n): A salt or ester of selenic acid.
- Selenious (adj): Relating to or containing selenium, especially in a lower valence state.
Synonyms
- Element 34: Referring to its atomic number.
- Trace element: In nutritional contexts, emphasizing its required small amounts.
Related Phrases
- Selenium web driver: A tool for automating web browsers for testing purposes (a specialized software usage named after the element).
- The QA engineer wrote tests using Selenium WebDriver.
Noun
-
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)
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