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 US converted unpaid construction grants designated in the 2023 Chips Act – legislation intended to promote domestic semiconductor manufacturing - into Intel stock.

From BBC

There is also a belief that the international community would come to Taiwan's aid given its outsized importance in the global semiconductor industry, he adds.

From BBC

On Thursday, Ireland's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Simon Harris welcomed the assurance that the 15% rate will include pharmaceuticals and semiconductors.

From BBC

This approach seeks to ensure sustained American leadership in crucial semiconductor manufacturing capabilities.

From Los Angeles Times

"The investment comes as both Intel and SoftBank deepen their commitment to investing in advanced technology and semiconductor innovation in the United States," the two companies said in a joint statement.

From BBC