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selenium
noun
se·le·ni·um
sə-ˈlē-nē-əm
: a photosensitive element that occurs in both crystalline and amorphous forms, is obtained chiefly as a by-product in copper refining, and is used especially in glass, semiconductor devices, and alloys see Chemical Elements Table
Examples of selenium in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Stacked With Minerals In addition to its potent vitamin profile, turkey contains minerals, such as selenium, zinc, and phosphorus, that support many avenues of health.
—Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Ld, Health, 25 Nov. 2024
This fish also provides vitamin A, B vitamins, and vitamin D, selenium, potassium, and phosphorus.
—Maxine Lipner, Verywell Health, 21 Nov. 2024
Mushrooms also contain an antioxidant known as selenium, which fights damaging free radicals that could otherwise contribute to aging, cancer and heart disease.
—Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 16 Nov. 2024
Tahini in hummus also contains calcium, zinc, copper, phosphorus, and selenium, which may help prevent bone loss.1521
Are There Any Downsides of Eating Hummus?
—Aviv Joshua, Verywell Health, 20 Nov. 2024
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Word History
Etymology
New Latin, from Greek selēnē moon, from selas brightness
First Known Use
1818, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing selenium
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Cite this Entry
“Selenium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/selenium. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
selenium
noun
se·le·ni·um
sə-ˈlē-nē-əm
: an element that is sensitive to light and is used especially in glass, alloys, and electronic devices see element
Medical Definition
selenium
noun
se·le·ni·um
sə-ˈlē-nē-əm
: a nonmetallic photosensitive element that occurs in both crystalline and amorphous forms, is an essential trace element found especially in grains and meat, and is used chiefly in glass, semiconductor devices, and alloys
—symbol Se
see Chemical Elements Table, selenosis
More from Merriam-Webster on selenium
Nglish: Translation of selenium for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about selenium
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