Definition

1. Noun:
   • A binary compound of tellurium: A chemical compound formed between tellurium and a more electropositive element (typically a metal). In such a compound, tellurium is in a negative oxidation state.

Usage

• The term "telluride" is used specifically in chemistry and materials science to name compounds where tellurium is the more electronegative component.
• It is commonly part of a compound name, following the name of the other element (e.g., , ).

Examples

• Noun:
  • Cadmium telluride is an important semiconductor used in solar panels.
  • The mineral calaverite is a gold telluride.
  • Researchers are studying the properties of lead telluride for thermoelectric applications.

Advanced Usage

• In mineralogy: Many tellurides occur as rare minerals. For example, is a silver-gold telluride.
• In technology: Certain tellurides are crucial for modern technology. is a common material in thermoelectric coolers.

Variants and Related Words

• Tellurium (n): The chemical element (Te) from which tellurides are derived.
• Oxide, Sulfide, Selenide (n): Analogous binary compounds formed with oxygen, sulfur, and selenium, respectively.

Synonyms

• Tellurium compound: A more general term that includes tellurides and other compounds containing tellurium.

Notes on Different Meanings

• The primary and almost exclusive meaning of "telluride" is the chemical one described above. It is a specialized scientific term.
• Geographic Note: The word is also part of the proper name of the town . In this context, it is a proper noun and does not refer to the chemical compound.

Noun

1. any binary compound of tellurium with other more electropositive elements