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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
The country also produces 60 percent of the world's germanium, indispensable for infrared optics like night-vision devices and laser targeting systems.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
Meanwhile, the Chinese are announcing banning certain raw material exports to the U.S. of rare earth metals gallium and germanium.
—John Werner, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
After the latest round of tech trade restrictions last week, China retaliated by banning exports of the rare elements gallium, germanium and antimony — cutting off at least half the U.S. supply, based on data from the U.S. Geological Survey.
—Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 10 Dec. 2024
As retaliation, Beijing hit back by imposing fresh curbs on exports of germanium and gallium and other materials elements essential for making semiconductors and other high tech equipment.
—Wayne Chang, CNN, 8 Dec. 2024
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Word History
Etymology
New Latin, from Medieval Latin Germania Germany
First Known Use
1886, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near germanium
Cite this Entry
“Germanium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/germanium. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.
Kids 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
More from Merriam-Webster on germanium
Nglish: Translation of germanium for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about germanium
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