Metalloid
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
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

Academic 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.
Ambiguous 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.
Collocation 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.
Academic 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.
Ambiguous 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.
Collocation 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.
Academic 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.
Ambiguous 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.
Collocation 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.
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension