noun
germanium
jer-MAY-nee-um/dʒɜːrˈmeɪniəm/
A brittle gray chemical element used in semiconductors and optics.
The brittle germanium specimen has sharp fractured faces beside a semiconductor wafer.
Etymology
Germania supplies the name Germany, while -ium marks a chemical element. The discoverer’s chosen name therefore refers to a country rather than describing the element’s physical properties.
In context
germanium for for radar
More examples
- Some early transistors were made from germanium.
- Unlike many metals, germanium breaks rather than bends.
- Adding small amounts of other elements changes germanium's electrical conductivity.
Forms
germanium