selenium

noun

se·​le·​ni·​um sə-ˈlē-nē-əm 

: a photosensitive element that occurs in both crystalline and amorphous forms, is obtained chiefly as a by-product in copper refining, and is used especially in glass, semiconductor devices, and alloys see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of selenium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Stacked With Minerals In addition to its potent vitamin profile, turkey contains minerals, such as selenium, zinc, and phosphorus, that support many avenues of health. —Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Ld, Health, 25 Nov. 2024

This fish also provides vitamin A, B vitamins, and vitamin D, selenium, potassium, and phosphorus. —Maxine Lipner, Verywell Health, 21 Nov. 2024

Mushrooms also contain an antioxidant known as selenium, which fights damaging free radicals that could otherwise contribute to aging, cancer and heart disease. —Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 16 Nov. 2024

Tahini in hummus also contains calcium, zinc, copper, phosphorus, and selenium, which may help prevent bone loss.1521 Are There Any Downsides of Eating Hummus? —Aviv Joshua, Verywell Health, 20 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek selēnē moon, from selas brightness

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing selenium

• selenium cell

Kids Definition

selenium

noun

se·​le·​ni·​um sə-ˈlē-nē-əm 

: an element that is sensitive to light and is used especially in glass, alloys, and electronic devices see element

Medical Definition

selenium

noun

se·​le·​ni·​um sə-ˈlē-nē-əm 

: a nonmetallic photosensitive element that occurs in both crystalline and amorphous forms, is an essential trace element found especially in grains and meat, and is used chiefly in glass, semiconductor devices, and alloys

—symbol Se see Chemical Elements Table, selenosis