semiconductor — a substance that conducts electricity under some conditions but not others
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a substance that conducts electricity under some conditions but not others
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈsemiˌkʌndʌktər/
Example Sentences
- My phone died because the semiconductor inside got too hot from playing games all day.
- Korea is a global leader in semiconductor production.
- The semiconductor market fluctuates like my mood during exam season.
semiconductor
NOUN[/ˈsemiˌkʌndʌktər/]
a substance that conducts electricity under some conditions but not others
Semiconductors power nearly every modern electronic device we use today.
Semiconductors control the flow of electricity inside computer chips. (SEMI + CONDUCT = SEMICONDUCTOR → a semiconductor conducts electricity partially, between conductor and insulator)
The semiconductor helped the conductor and constructor build smarter technology.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The term was coined in 1838 by combining the Latin prefix 'semi-' (half, partial) with the word 'conductor' to describe materials that possess intermediate electrical properties between full conductors and insulators. This neoclassical compound was created to fill a scientific terminology gap as understanding of electrical conductivity evolved.
Breakdown
semi- (Latin: half, partial) + conductor (from Latin conducere: to lead together, convey). The suffix -or denotes an agent or thing that performs an action, making 'conductor' one that conducts or guides electrical current.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My phone died because the semiconductor inside got too hot from playing games all day.”
“Korea is a global leader in semiconductor production.”
“The semiconductor market fluctuates like my mood during exam season.”
“Scientists are developing new semiconductor materials for faster computers.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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