Selenium

[sɪ'liːnɪəm] or [sə'linɪəm]

Definition

(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).

Inputed by Ezra--From WordNet

Definition

(n.) A nonmetallic element of the sulphur group, and 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 78.9.

Inputed by Ethel

Definition

n. an element discovered by Berzelius in the refuse of a sulphuric-acid factory in 1817.—n. Sel′ēnate a compound of selenic acid with a base.—adjs. Selen′ic Selē′nious.—n. Sel′enide a compound of selenium with one other element or radical—also Selē′niuret.—adjs. Selenif′erous; Selē′niuretted containing selenium.

Editor: Rufus