semiconductor

[sem-ee-kuhn-duhk-ter, sem-ahy-]

noun

1. a substance, as silicon or germanium, with electrical conductivity intermediate between that of an insulator and a conductor: a basic component of various kinds of electronic circuit element semiconductor device used in communications, control, and detection technology and in computers.

2. a semiconductor device.

semiconductor

/ ˌsɛmɪkənˈdʌktə /

noun

1. a substance, such as germanium or silicon, that has an electrical conductivity that increases with temperature and is intermediate between that of a metal and an insulator

2. 1. a device, such as a transistor or integrated circuit, that depends on the properties of such a substance

   2. ( as modifier )

      a semiconductor diode

semiconductor

1. Any of various solid substances, such as silicon or germanium, that conduct electricity more easily than insulators but less easily than conductors. In semiconductors, thermal energy is enough to cause a small number of electrons to escape from the valence bonds between the atoms (the valence band); they orbit instead in the higher-energy conduction band, in which they are relatively free. The resulting gaps in the valence band are called holes. Semiconductors are vital to the design of electronic components and circuitry, including transistors, laser diodes, and memory and computer processing circuits.

semiconductor

1. A material that conducts (see conduction) electricity, but very poorly. Silicon is the most common and familiar semiconductor. Devices made from semiconductors, such as the transistor, are the basis of the modern microelectric industry.

Other Word Forms

• semiconduction noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of semiconductor¹

First recorded in 1875–80; semi- + conductor

Example Sentences

The U.S. and China have emerged as the leaders in quantum computing, creating a rivalry that mirrors the competition in the semiconductor and energy industries.

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It could affect semiconductors, autos, imaging machines for life sciences companies, and military equipment.

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The Ontario ad uses audio from a 1987 radio address delivered by Reagan, in which he explains that despite putting tariffs on Japanese semiconductors in that year, he was committed to free-trade policies.

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Strong exports of semiconductors and vessels could continue, but their impact will likely be offset by weak shipments of other goods, Kang said.

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Intel’s positive results boosted the chip sector, forecasting sustained semiconductor demand.

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