helium

noun

he·​li·​um ˈhē-lē-əm 

ˈhēl-yəm

: 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

Cruise companies are also investing heavily into new private islands and beaches to take passengers to, like CocoCay, the island with North America's second tallest waterslide, helium balloon rides, adult-only beaches, and zip lines galore. —Alex Ledsom, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024

But a series of technical failures, including thruster malfunctions and helium leaks, turned the mission into an extended stay. —Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024

But the Boeing Starliner vehicle that launched them to the International Space Station ran into technical problems, including helium leaks and malfunctioning thrusters. —Kc Baker, People.com, 29 Nov. 2024

Often called the unofficial start of the holiday season, the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will see massive helium balloons floating through New York. —Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY, 26 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek hēlios

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

helium

noun

he·​li·​um ˈhē-lē-əm 

: a light colorless nonflammable element that is found in various natural gases and is used especially to blow up balloons see element

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