semiconductor
noun
semi·con·duc·tor
ˌse-mē-kən-ˈdək-tər 
ˌse-ˌmī-,
-mi-
: any of a class of solids (such as germanium or silicon) whose electrical conductivity is between that of a conductor and that of an insulator in being nearly as great as that of a metal at high temperatures and nearly absent at low temperatures
Did you know?
A semiconductor is a crystal material whose ability to conduct electricity rises as its temperature goes up. That is, it sometimes acts as a conductor and sometimes as an insulator. Its conducting ability can be much increased by chemical treatment. A manufactured chip of silicon, less than half an inch square, may contain millions of microscopic transistors, which can serve control and memory functions when installed in a computer, automobile, cell phone, DVD player, or microwave oven.
Examples of semiconductor in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
On Friday, media reports emerged that China was easing tariffs on some U.S. semiconductors, along with certain U.S. pharmaceuticals.
—
Medora Lee, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
Mainland media reported that certain semiconductor and technology imports from the US were to be exempted from retaliatory tariffs.
—Brendan Ahern, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Chinese authorities have not confirmed the exemptions on semiconductors publicly.
—John Liu, CNN Money, 25 Apr. 2025
There have also been indications that China may be relenting on tariffs on semiconductors made in the United States.
—Kevin Granville, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for semiconductor
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Medora Lee, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
Mainland media reported that certain semiconductor and technology imports from the US were to be exempted from retaliatory tariffs.
—Brendan Ahern, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Chinese authorities have not confirmed the exemptions on semiconductors publicly.
—John Liu, CNN Money, 25 Apr. 2025
There have also been indications that China may be relenting on tariffs on semiconductors made in the United States.
—Kevin Granville, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for semiconductor
Cite this Entry
“Semiconductor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/semiconductor. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
semiconductor
noun
semi·con·duc·tor
ˌsem-i-kən-ˈdək-tər
ˌsem-ˌī-
: any of a class of solids (as germanium) that have an ability to conduct electricity between that of a conductor and that of an insulator
semiconducting
adjective
-tiŋ
Medical Definition
semiconductor
noun
semi·con·duc·tor
-kən-ˈdək-tər
: any of a class of solids (as germanium or silicon) whose electrical conductivity is between that of a conductor and that of an insulator in being nearly as great as that of a metal at high temperatures and nearly absent at low temperatures
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share