germanium
noun
ger·ma·ni·um
(ˌ)jər-ˈmā-nē-əm 
: a grayish-white hard brittle metalloid element that resembles silicon and is used especially in optical and semiconductor materials and as a catalyst see Chemical Elements Table
Examples of germanium in a Sentence
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Late last year, Beijing imposed export controls on critical minerals such as gallium and germanium — both vital for chipmaking and EV production.
—
Shannon Carroll, Quartz, 22 May 2025
In the coming years, the DLA recycling program is expected to yield ten percent of the U.S. defense industry’s germanium needs.
—Heidi Crebo-Rediker, Foreign Affairs, 7 May 2025
Over the past two years, Beijing has imposed curbs on other critical minerals, such as gallium, germanium, and graphite.
—Andrew R. Chow, Time, 9 Apr. 2025
Last month, Beijing banned the export of gallium, germanium, and antimony, key metals used in chipmaking, to the U.S. after the U.S. Commerce Department subjected more Chinese companies to export controls.
—Lionel Lim, Fortune Asia, 3 Jan. 2025
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Shannon Carroll, Quartz, 22 May 2025
In the coming years, the DLA recycling program is expected to yield ten percent of the U.S. defense industry’s germanium needs.
—Heidi Crebo-Rediker, Foreign Affairs, 7 May 2025
Over the past two years, Beijing has imposed curbs on other critical minerals, such as gallium, germanium, and graphite.
—Andrew R. Chow, Time, 9 Apr. 2025
Last month, Beijing banned the export of gallium, germanium, and antimony, key metals used in chipmaking, to the U.S. after the U.S. Commerce Department subjected more Chinese companies to export controls.
—Lionel Lim, Fortune Asia, 3 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for germanium
Cite this Entry
“Germanium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/germanium. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
germanium
noun
ger·ma·ni·um
(ˌ)jər-ˈmā-nē-əm
: a grayish white hard brittle element used especially as a semiconductor see element
Medical Definition
germanium
noun
ger·ma·ni·um
(ˌ)jər-ˈmā-nē-əm
: a grayish white hard brittle metalloid element that resembles silicon and is used as a semiconductor
—symbol Ge
see Chemical Elements Table
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