noun
selenium
suh-LEE-nee-um/səˈliːniəm/
a nonmetallic chemical element needed by the body in trace amounts
The Brazil nuts beside the vial contain small amounts of selenium.
Etymology
The moon root and element-name ending make selenium a lunar counterpart to tellurium, named for the earth. This pairing reflects the initial confusion between the two elements.
In context
sunflower seeds are the best source on this list of selenium an antioxidant that protects against infections and helps make DNA and folate
More examples
- Your body needs only tiny amounts of selenium.
- Taking too much selenium can harm your health.
- Some older electronic devices use selenium to convert alternating current to direct current.
Forms
selenium