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

However, the Falcon 9 launch was stopped just over two minutes before launch due to a helium leak on the rocket's first stage. —David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

Loosely cover various sizes of either mylar or latex balloons (fill them with helium to float on their own) with sheets of sheer white cloth. —Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Oct. 2024

The balloon, filled with helium, flew out of my hands. —Elizabeth Kolbert, The New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2024

Stars produce energy within their cores through nuclear fusion by squeezing hydrogen atoms to form helium. —Ashley Strickland, CNN, 11 Sep. 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