selenium

noun

se·​le·​ni·​um sə-ˈlē-nē-əm How to pronounce selenium (audio)
: 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
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.
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 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek selēnē moon, from selas brightness

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of selenium was in 1818

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 How to pronounce selenium (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce selenium (audio)
: 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

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