'Selenium' definitions:

Definition of 'selenium'

(from WordNet)
noun
A toxic nonmetallic element related to sulfur and tellurium; occurs in several allotropic forms; a stable grey metallike allotrope conducts electricity better in the light than in the dark and is used in photocells; occurs in sulfide ores (as pyrite) [syn: selenium, Se, atomic number 34]

Definition of 'Selenium'

From: GCIDE
  • Selenium \Se*le"ni*um\, n. [NL., from Gr. selh`nh the moon. So called because of its chemical analogy to tellurium (from L. tellus the earth), being, as it were, a companion to it.] (Chem.) A nonmetallic element of the sulphur group of atomic number
  • 34, analogous to sulphur in its compounds. It is found in small quantities with sulphur and some sulphur ores, and obtained in the free state as a dark reddish powder or crystalline mass, or as a dark metallic-looking substance. It exhibits under the action of light a remarkable variation in electric conductivity, and is used in certain electric apparatus. Symbol Se. Atomic weight 78.96. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'selenium'

From: Elements
  • Symbol: Se
  • Atomic number: 34
  • Atomic weight: 78.96
  • Metalloid element, belongs to group 16 of the periodic table. Multiple allotropic forms exist. Chemically resembles sulphur. Discovered in 1817 by Jons J. Berzelius.

Words containing 'Selenium'