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 Nanosheets are generally formed from alternating layers of silicon and silicon germanium. IEEE Spectrum, 16 Dec. 2023 China’s measures on graphite, gallium and germanium has made the prospect of similar measures on rare earths more real, hastening the need for an alternative to Chinese supply. Lily Kuo, Washington Post, 29 Nov. 2023 Shortly after the new investment restrictions were announced, China slapped export restrictions on two key minerals essential to semiconductor production — gallium and germanium. Richard Escobedo, CBS News, 15 Nov. 2023 In July, Beijing imposed export restrictions on gallium and germanium, two minerals essential for making semiconductors. Juliana Liu, CNN, 20 Oct. 2023 In August, China didn’t sell any germanium or gallium outside its borders. Laura He, CNN, 11 Oct. 2023 That is how closely the manganese sulfide curve matches the germanium selenide one, this reviewer said. Kenneth Chang, New York Times, 26 July 2023 Both commodities are natural by-products of mining other minerals, such as aluminum and zinc, so U.S. or other non-Chinese mining companies can easily get into the business of selling germanium and gallium if China seeks to choke off supply. Time, 20 July 2023 Indeed, the United States is home to the world’s largest germanium mine. Milton Ezrati, Forbes, 17 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'germanium.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 19 Mar. 2024.

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

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