Helium

usgb/ˈhiːliəm/
noun

Helium is a type of gas that is lighter than air and does not have color or smell. It's used to fill balloons and airships.

When you fill a balloon with helium, it floats in the air.
Visual representation of "helium" - Helium is a type of gas that is lighter than air and does not have color or smell. It's used to fill balloons and airships.

Often appears as...

  • helium balloon
  • helium gas
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "helium"
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No taste/smell

Helium is odorless and tasteless, so don't expect any sensations when using it in balloons.

Illustration for No taste/smell
Despite the helium in balloons, they have no smell at all.
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Safety concerns

Breathing in helium from a balloon makes your voice high-pitched but it can be dangerous if inhaled too much.

Illustration for Safety concerns
He inhaled helium for fun but started to feel dizzy.
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Lighter than air

Objects filled with helium will float, so always secure helium balloons or they'll escape upwards.

Illustration for Lighter than air
She let go of her helium balloon and it quickly soared into the sky.
Visual representation of the word "Helium"

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