semiconductor

American  

[sem-ee-kuhn-duhk-ter, sem-ahy-] / ˌsɛm i kənˈdʌk tər, ˌsɛm aɪ- /

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.

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semiconductor British  

/ 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

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semiconductor Scientific  

/ sĕm′ē-kən-dŭk′tər /

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.

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semiconductor Cultural  

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.

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Other Word Forms

• semiconduction noun

Etymology

Origin of semiconductor

First recorded in 1875–80; semi- + conductor

Example Sentences

After sending shares of memory-chip companies soaring, the artificial-intelligence trade could soon spotlight another area of the semiconductor industry: analog chips.

From MarketWatch

The government will still intervene to support sectors like semiconductors vital to national security.

From The Wall Street Journal

U.S. trade officials are conducting investigations into imports of semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, drones, wind turbines and medical equipment.

From The Wall Street Journal

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing shares traded in the U.S. rose 1.8% after the Taiwanese chip company reported another month of growing revenue, signaling demand for semiconductors remains robust.

From Barron's

Meanwhile, Robbins is worried that the administration’s investigation into semiconductors may result in duties on that sector, which would push up her costs further.

From The Wall Street Journal