Metalloid
/ˈmetlɔɪd/noun
A chemical element that has some properties of a metal and some properties of a non-metal.
Silicon is considered a metalloid because it has both metallic and nonmetallic properties.
Often appears as...
- semi metalloid
- metalloid element
Usage tips
Academic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Academic Term
Used in science and education, not typically in everyday conversation.
In my chemistry class, we discussed the position of metalloids in the periodic table.
Pro Tip 2/3Ambiguous Nature
Metals and non-metals are clear categories; metalloids are tricky because they're in-between.
As a metalloid, germanium can be hard to classify as either a metal or non-metal.
Pro Tip 3/3Collocation Usage
Often used with 'element' to clarify that it refers to a type of chemical element.
Tellurium is less commonly known as a metalloid element compared to silicon.
Compare with
semiconductor
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