semiconductor
nounUK /ˌsemikənˈdʌktə/
US /ˌsemikənˈdʌktər/
A material that lets electricity pass through it only sometimes, so it is used to make computer chips.
Silicon is a semiconductor used to build the chips inside phones and computers.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A device or component made from such a material, like a transistor or diode.
The factory produces semiconductors for electric cars.
3. A substance whose ability to conduct electricity is between that of a conductor and an insulator.
Scientists studied how the semiconductor behaved at different temperatures.
4. The industry or business of making electronic chips.
She works in semiconductors, designing new processors.