semi-conductor
nounUK /ˌsemi kənˈdʌktə/
US /ˈsemaɪ kənˌdʌktər/
A material that lets electricity pass through it only sometimes.
Silicon is a semiconductor used to make computer chips.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A substance whose ability to conduct electricity is between that of a conductor and an insulator.
Engineers study how a semiconductor behaves at different temperatures.
3. A device or component made from such a material, such as a transistor or chip.
The factory produces semiconductors for smartphones and laptops.
4. Relating to the technology or industry of such materials and devices.
The semiconductor industry is growing quickly around the world.