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
The coastal waters are a tropical stew of pollutants—industrial wastes including arsenic, cobalt, manganese, nickel, selenium, zinc, and seven other trace metals.
—
Stephen S. Hall, Time, 21 Apr. 2025
Rich in vitamin C and may help boost glutathione levels
Eggs: Contain the amino acid cysteine that the body uses to produce glutathione
Nuts: Include the essential mineral selenium that can bolster glutathione production
A Word From Verywell
Taking steps to prevent a hangover is key.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 10 Apr. 2025
Salmon and tuna contain selenium, as does brown rice, eggs and whole wheat bread.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 4 Mar. 2025
Tuna is also high in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats and other essential nutrients like selenium and vitamins D, B12, and E.1112
Make tuna salad for a midday snack or toss a can of tuna in your lunch bag with a piece of fruit for a balanced, high-protein snack.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for selenium
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Stephen S. Hall, Time, 21 Apr. 2025
Rich in vitamin C and may help boost glutathione levels
Eggs: Contain the amino acid cysteine that the body uses to produce glutathione
Nuts: Include the essential mineral selenium that can bolster glutathione production
A Word From Verywell
Taking steps to prevent a hangover is key.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 10 Apr. 2025
Salmon and tuna contain selenium, as does brown rice, eggs and whole wheat bread.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 4 Mar. 2025
Tuna is also high in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats and other essential nutrients like selenium and vitamins D, B12, and E.1112
Make tuna salad for a midday snack or toss a can of tuna in your lunch bag with a piece of fruit for a balanced, high-protein snack.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for selenium
Cite this Entry
“Selenium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/selenium. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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