germanium
noun
ger·ma·ni·um
(ˌ)jər-ˈmā-nē-əm 
: a grayish-white hard brittle metalloid element that resembles silicon and is used especially in optical and semiconductor materials and as a catalyst see Chemical Elements Table
Examples of germanium in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In 2023, the Chinese government rolled out new export controls on graphite as well as gallium and germanium—minerals for which Western dependence on Chinese supplies is particularly high.
—
Elizabeth Economy, Foreign Affairs, 14 Jan. 2025
In retaliation, China announced a ban on key materials such as antimony, germanium, and gallium—essential to sectors including defense, space, green energy, and manufacturing—highlighting its leverage in global high-tech inputs.
—Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
Beijing responded by barring exports to the U.S. of gallium, germanium, antimony, and other metals key to making semiconductors.
—Lionel Lim, Fortune Asia, 10 Dec. 2024
The outgoing administration’s new set of export control measures targeting the Chinese chip-making sector, unveiled on December 2, was immediately countered by Beijing with a ban on exports to the United States of several critical minerals including gallium, germanium, and antimony.
—Alexander Gabuev, Foreign Affairs, 6 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for germanium 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Elizabeth Economy, Foreign Affairs, 14 Jan. 2025
In retaliation, China announced a ban on key materials such as antimony, germanium, and gallium—essential to sectors including defense, space, green energy, and manufacturing—highlighting its leverage in global high-tech inputs.
—Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
Beijing responded by barring exports to the U.S. of gallium, germanium, antimony, and other metals key to making semiconductors.
—Lionel Lim, Fortune Asia, 10 Dec. 2024
The outgoing administration’s new set of export control measures targeting the Chinese chip-making sector, unveiled on December 2, was immediately countered by Beijing with a ban on exports to the United States of several critical minerals including gallium, germanium, and antimony.
—Alexander Gabuev, Foreign Affairs, 6 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for germanium
Dictionary Entries Near germanium
Cite this Entry
“Germanium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/germanium. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
germanium
noun
ger·ma·ni·um
(ˌ)jər-ˈmā-nē-əm
: a grayish white hard brittle element used especially as a semiconductor see element
Medical Definition
germanium
noun
ger·ma·ni·um
(ˌ)jər-ˈmā-nē-əm
: a grayish white hard brittle metalloid element that resembles silicon and is used as a semiconductor
—symbol Ge
see Chemical Elements Table
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share