Germanium

usgb/dʒɜːrˈmeɪniəm/
noun

Germanium is a chemical element. It is a hard, shiny, gray metal often used in electronics and computer chips.

The transistor was made from a slice of germanium.
Visual representation of "germanium" - Germanium is a chemical element. It is a hard, shiny, gray metal often used in electronics and computer chips.

Often appears as...

  • germanium diode
  • germanium transistor

Usage tips

Technical

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "germanium"
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Electronics Context

Understand 'germanium' as a material in electronic devices. It's not just any metal but specifically important in technology.

Illustration for Electronics Context
He specializes in germanium-based semiconductor research.
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Technical Term

'Germanium' is a technical term rarely used in everyday conversation, mostly found in scientific contexts.

Illustration for Technical Term
The germanium sample exhibits semiconducting properties.
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No Health Relation

Don't confuse 'germanium' with health-related elements like 'germane', which sounds similar but is different.

Illustration for No Health Relation
Germanium is used in my physics class, not biology.
Visual representation of the word "Germanium"

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