helium

noun

he·​li·​um ˈhē-lē-əm 

ˈhēl-yəm

: a chemical element of the noble gas group with atomic number 2 that is found especially in natural gases and used chiefly for inflating airships and balloons, as a coolant for superconductors, and as a component of inert atmospheres (as in welding)

—often used before another noun

helium balloons

helium gas

see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of helium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There's no way a helium balloon can get into space, according to the California Institute of Technology, and simple physics explains why. —Ailsa Harvey, Space.com, 17 Jan. 2025

Michaels Along with an assortment of party supplies for various occasions throughout the year, Michaels now fills helium balloons too. —Anna Halkidis, Parents, 4 Jan. 2025

One of the most fascinating of these revolves around helium. —IEEE Spectrum, 31 Dec. 2024

The Starliner mission faced immediate challenges when technical issues, including helium leaks and thruster malfunctions, were detected as the capsule was docked at the ISS. —Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 25 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek hēlios

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

helium

noun

he·​li·​um ˈhē-lē-əm 

: a light colorless nonflammable element that is found in various natural gases and is used especially to blow up balloons see element

Medical Definition

helium

noun

he·​li·​um ˈhē-lē-əm 

: a light colorless nonflammable gaseous element found especially in natural gases and used chiefly for inflating airships and balloons, for filling incandescent lamps, and for cryogenic research

—symbol He see Chemical Elements Table