-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
selenium
noun
se·le·ni·um
sə-ˈlē-nē-əm
: a photosensitive element that occurs in both crystalline and amorphous forms, is obtained chiefly as a by-product in copper refining, and is used especially in glass, semiconductor devices, and alloys see Chemical Elements Table
Examples of selenium in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Emphasize foods with nutrients that support the thyroid, such as iodine, selenium, zinc, vitamin D, B12, magnesium, and iron.
—Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 17 Jan. 2025
From a nutritional standpoint, fresh mushrooms are a source of B vitamins, vitamin D, phosphorous, potassium, copper and selenium, according to Harvard Health.
—Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 9 Jan. 2025
Conversely, over-supplementation with nutrients like selenium, vitamin A, and vitamin E has been linked to hair loss.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 8 Jan. 2025
Head & Shoulders’s Clinical Strength line of shampoos uses selenium sulfide to tackle tough cases of dandruff, and the Sensitive Shampoo is a standout for its gentler formula.
—Sara Coughlin, SELF, 15 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for selenium
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Word History
Etymology
New Latin, from Greek selēnē moon, from selas brightness
First Known Use
1818, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing selenium
Dictionary Entries Near selenium
Cite this Entry
“Selenium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/selenium. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.
Kids Definition
selenium
noun
se·le·ni·um
sə-ˈlē-nē-əm
: an element that is sensitive to light and is used especially in glass, alloys, and electronic devices see element
Medical Definition
selenium
noun
se·le·ni·um
sə-ˈlē-nē-əm
: a nonmetallic photosensitive element that occurs in both crystalline and amorphous forms, is an essential trace element found especially in grains and meat, and is used chiefly in glass, semiconductor devices, and alloys
—symbol Se
see Chemical Elements Table, selenosis
More from Merriam-Webster on selenium
Nglish: Translation of selenium for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about selenium
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share