semiconductor
A solid substance (such as silicon or germanium) that has a conductivity between that of an insulator and that of a most metals, used to control electrical current in microchips and transistors.
A semiconductor's magic lies in the fact that its conductivity can be altered by adding impurities (doping) or applying an electric field, allowing it to act as an on/off switch.
Word relationships
- solid-state device: Solid-state device refers to any component made of solid materials with no moving parts, while semiconductor refers specifically to the material class used to make these devices.
- superconductor: A superconductor has zero resistance to electrical current, whereas a semiconductor has a moderate, highly controllable resistance.
Commonly confused with
- conductor: A conductor easily allows current to flow at all times, whereas a semiconductor's ability to conduct can be turned on and off.
Word family
- semiconducting (adjective): Having the properties of a semiconductor.
Collocations
- semiconductor industry
- semiconductor device
- silicon semiconductor
- semiconductor manufacturing
Example sentences
- "A global shortage of semiconductor chips halted production at several major automotive plants." Discussing global supply chain issues for electronics.
- "The electrical properties of a semiconductor are highly sensitive to the presence of minute quantities of foreign atoms." An early scientific paper on solid-state physics. (Electrons and Holes in Semiconductors by William Shockley)
Memory hook
Think of a 'semi-truck' which is half-cab, half-trailer; a 'semiconductor' is half-conductor, half-insulator. Semiconductors are half-way conductors.
When not to use
Do not use when referring to materials that are simply poor conductors; a semiconductor must have the specific property of controllable conductivity.
Fun facts
- Silicon, the most common semiconductor material, is the second most abundant element in the Earth's crust, making up about 28% of it (mostly in sand).
Explore more words
photovoltaic, conductivity, dielectric, electron, lithography, translucent
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