tellurium

noun

tel·​lu·​ri·​um tə-ˈlu̇r-ē-əm 

te-

: a semimetallic element that occurs in a silvery-white brittle crystalline form of metallic luster, in a dark amorphous form, or combined with metals and that is used especially in alloys and catalysts see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of tellurium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Those include tungsten, a critical mineral typically used in industrial and defense applications, as well as tellurium, which can be used to make solar cells. —Simone McCarthy, CNN, 4 Feb. 2025

In a separate statement Tuesday, Chinese commerce ministry and customs officials announced to impose export controls on items related to tungsten, tellurium, ruthenium, molybdenum and ruthenium. —Anniek Bao, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2025

First Tellurium provided critical domestic sources of tellurium and other metals, allowing Michael to overcome supply challenges. —Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024

The Rio Tinto Kennecott website says the facility mines copper, gold, silver, molybdenum and tellurium. —USA TODAY, 22 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin tellur-, tellus earth

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

tellurium

noun

tel·​lu·​ri·​um tə-ˈlu̇r-ē-əm 

te-

: an element that occurs in a silvery white brittle form having a metallic shine or in combination with metals and is used especially in alloys and catalysts see element

Medical Definition

tellurium

noun

tel·​lu·​ri·​um tə-ˈlu̇r-ē-əm, te- 

: a semimetallic element related to selenium and sulfur that occurs in a silvery white brittle crystalline form of metallic luster, in a dark amorphous form, or combined with metals and that is used especially in alloys

—symbol Te see Chemical Elements Table