thin film

noun

: a very thin layer of a substance on a supporting material
especially : a coating (as of a semiconductor) that is deposited in a layer one atom or one molecule thick

Examples of thin film in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Traditionally, it’s wrapped in the thin film of leaves or stalks from agave plants, then steamed or cooked in a pit. Betty Hallock, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2024 Traditionally, it’s wrapped in the thin film sourced from the stalks of maguey plants such as agave, and then steamed or cooked in a pit. Paola Briseño-Gonzalez, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2024 Some plastics may be especially hard to quit, like the thin films that keep medical products sanitary. Cheri Lucas Rowlands, Longreads, 16 Aug. 2024 Ready to hover The solar power cells were made of a thin film of gallium arsenide, which is far more expensive than other photovoltaic materials, but offers a higher efficiency (30 percent conversion compared to numbers that are typically in the mid-20s). John Timmer, Ars Technica, 17 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for thin film 

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of thin film was in 1944

Dictionary Entries Near thin film

Cite this Entry

“Thin film.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thin%20film. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

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