germanium
noun
ger·ma·ni·um
(ˌ)jər-ˈmā-nē-əm 
: a grayish-white hard brittle metalloid element that resembles silicon and is used especially in optical and semiconductor materials and as a catalyst see Chemical Elements Table
Examples of germanium in a Sentence
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Yet extreme geographic concentration – particularly China’s dominance of processing, accounting for 70% of refining on average across 19 of 20 strategic minerals – poses systemic risks that were brought into sharp relief by Beijing’s 2025 export controls on rare earths, gallium, and germanium.
—
Interesting Engineering, 30 Mar. 2026
The detection devices scientists are using feature ultra-pure silicon and germanium crystals with conducting sensors, which should be able to detect minute vibrations and electrical signals from dark matter particles.
—Adam Harrington, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
Muonionalusta is an iron meteorite with iron-nickel alloys and traces of gallium, germanium and iridium, and its body displays the striking Widmanstätten pattern.
—Heather Barker, Space.com, 11 Mar. 2026
Astronauts grew crystals of indium antimonide and germanium in the 1970s aboard the SkyLab space station, and similar experiments have been taking place on the International Space Station.
—IEEE Spectrum, 10 Feb. 2026
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Interesting Engineering, 30 Mar. 2026
The detection devices scientists are using feature ultra-pure silicon and germanium crystals with conducting sensors, which should be able to detect minute vibrations and electrical signals from dark matter particles.
—Adam Harrington, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
Muonionalusta is an iron meteorite with iron-nickel alloys and traces of gallium, germanium and iridium, and its body displays the striking Widmanstätten pattern.
—Heather Barker, Space.com, 11 Mar. 2026
Astronauts grew crystals of indium antimonide and germanium in the 1970s aboard the SkyLab space station, and similar experiments have been taking place on the International Space Station.
—IEEE Spectrum, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for germanium
Cite this Entry
“Germanium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/germanium. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
germanium
noun
ger·ma·ni·um
(ˌ)jər-ˈmā-nē-əm
: a grayish white hard brittle element used especially as a semiconductor see element
Medical Definition
germanium
noun
ger·ma·ni·um
(ˌ)jər-ˈmā-nē-əm
: a grayish white hard brittle metalloid element that resembles silicon and is used as a semiconductor
—symbol Ge
see Chemical Elements Table
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