: a chemical element of the noble gas group with atomic number 2 that is found especially in natural gases and used chiefly for inflating airships and balloons, as a coolant for superconductors, and as a component of inert atmospheres (as in welding)
—often used before another noun
helium balloons
helium gas
see Chemical Elements Table
Examples of helium in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
On top of that, a helium shortage that started in 2022 didn't help.
—
Anna Halkidis, Parents, 4 Jan. 2025
While the launch went off without a hitch, Peregrine ran into trouble due to a faulty helium pressure control valve and never made it to the moon.
—Julian Dossett, Space.com, 28 Dec. 2024
Their mission was supposed to take between eight and 10 days, but helium leaks in the capsule's propulsion system and degraded thrusters, which are important for re-entry, upended plans for bringing the astronauts back to Earth.
—Alex Sundby, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2024
The initial launch was delayed several times due to thruster failures and helium leaks.
—Lauren Irwin, The Hill, 17 Dec. 2024
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Anna Halkidis, Parents, 4 Jan. 2025
While the launch went off without a hitch, Peregrine ran into trouble due to a faulty helium pressure control valve and never made it to the moon.
—Julian Dossett, Space.com, 28 Dec. 2024
Their mission was supposed to take between eight and 10 days, but helium leaks in the capsule's propulsion system and degraded thrusters, which are important for re-entry, upended plans for bringing the astronauts back to Earth.
—Alex Sundby, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2024
The initial launch was delayed several times due to thruster failures and helium leaks.
—Lauren Irwin, The Hill, 17 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for helium
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Cite this Entry
“Helium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/helium. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
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Medical Definition
helium
noun
he·li·um
ˈhē-lē-əm 
: a light colorless nonflammable gaseous element found especially in natural gases and used chiefly for inflating airships and balloons, for filling incandescent lamps, and for cryogenic research
—symbol He
see Chemical Elements Table
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