germanium

noun

ger·​ma·​ni·​um (ˌ)jər-ˈmā-nē-əm How to pronounce germanium (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See all Example Sentences for germanium 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Medieval Latin Germania Germany

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of germanium was in 1886

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 How to pronounce germanium (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce germanium (audio)
: 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!