semiconductor
nounUK /ˌsemikənˈdʌktə/
US /ˌsemikənˈdʌktər/
A material that lets only a little electricity pass through, so it can be used to make computer chips.
Silicon is a semiconductor used to make 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 company or industry that makes semiconductor devices.
She works in semiconductors, designing memory chips.
4. Anything that conducts electricity only partly, between a conductor and an insulator.
At low temperatures the semiconductor behaves more like an insulator.