germanium

[ jer-mey-nee-uhm ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a scarce, metallic, grayish-white element, normally tetravalent, used chiefly in transistors. : Ge; : 72.59; : 32; : 5.36 at 20°C.

germanium

/ dʒɜːˈmeɪnɪəm /

noun

1. a brittle crystalline grey element that is a semiconducting metalloid, occurring principally in zinc ores and argyrodite: used in transistors, as a catalyst, and to strengthen and harden alloys. Symbol: Ge; atomic no: 32; atomic wt: 72.61; valency: 2 or 4; relative density: 5.323; melting pt: 938.35°C; boiling pt: 2834°C

germanium

/ jər-mā′nē-əm /

1. A brittle, crystalline, grayish-white metalloid element that is found in coal, in zinc ores, and in several minerals. It is used as a semiconductor and in wide-angle lenses. Atomic number 32; atomic weight 72.59; melting point 937.4°C; boiling point 2,830°C; specific gravity 5.323 (at 25°C); valence 2, 4.
2. See Periodic Table

Word History and Origins

Origin of germanium¹

First recorded in 1885–90; German(y) + -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of germanium¹

C19: New Latin, named after Germany

Example Sentences

To develop their defect-free fibres, the NTU-led team selected pairs of common semiconductor material and synthetic material -- a silicon semiconductor core with a silica glass tube and a germanium core with an aluminosilicate glass tube.

From Science Daily

In August, Beijing countered with its own trade curbs: It began requiring that Chinese exporters of gallium and germanium, metals used in computer chips and solar cells, obtain government licenses to send those metals overseas.

From Seattle Times

If China persists with export restrictions, as it has with commodities like as germanium and graphite, supply could be further compromised.

From Reuters

China has imposed export curbs on two metals used in computer chips and solar cells — gallium and germanium — that it said were intended to “safeguard national security.”

From Seattle Times

The curbs by China also could lower exports and raise prices, just like they did after a similar move in August for two chip-making metals, gallium and germanium.

From Reuters